The trip across South America continued today as we wrapped up day 6. Another 100 plus miler (125) with very little climbing and very little head wind. If it weren’t for the extraordinary heat it would have been a straight forward day. And when I say straight forward I mean we stayed on the same road going in the same direction all day. The scenery? Maize plantations as far as the eye could see. So not a lot to discuss about the trip today.
Tomorrow looks like a carbon copy of today. Same 125 miles and pretty much the same road. The hotel is fine and the food has been improving. The aide stations on the course would clearly not satisfy Sally. Ice is a hot commodity (?) and the staff seems challenged to man enough stations. In the incredible sun one needs water much more often than currently supplied. On average once the sun comes up a rider will drink two bottles of fluids in less than 20 miles (it is hot). So we all have begun to improvise and stop at any open facility. Hopefully my concerns have been heard.
My aches and pains were much better today. Mike and I biked hard and finished with less than 7 hours in the saddle. I like to think my biking is suffering because of my accident. Probably wishful thinking. Again today many elected not to either attempt or finish. At the daily staff meeting a couple days ago the staff gave us the option to not ride at all because of the heat index. Why else are we here?
For the most part there are lots of nice people. Bikers can be a difficult group and there are clearly a few of them here this week. Two guys in particular are quite affected and are not on my good list.
At dinner tonight the owner and his wife (I assume) and one lad cooked and served and tended bar for over 40 people. Short staffed but been there done that.
