May 5 - Day 117

Today was a mix of off road and Tarmac. The off road was as I have spoke. To in the past days... something that you could only wish on someone you do not care for.  But then came the tarmac.  Yes!  It was a sight for sore eyes.  It felt so good to be back on a real road.  There was significant climbing but I will take the climbing to anything that off road serves up.  The rolling hills and steep climbs were wonderful to attack.  I went flying along with a smile on my face.  It is what makes cycling enjoyable.  :)

This is a picture of the cold front coming through.  The clouds gathered so thick they appeared to be originating from the ground itself.  As I was climbing through a pass the wind started to pick up.  It got to a howling pitch and the temperature started to plummet.  The temp dropped 12 degrees Celsius from start of climb to the summit.  Brrrrrrr it got cold.  Made me pick up the pace to get to camp quicker.  Nothing like a little bit of motivation to get the legs moving and the speed accelerating.  :)

The off road and corrugation has taken a toll on me though.  My wrists and shoulder and ankle woke me up last night with their midnight protest.  They collectively raised the chorus of pain to a level which could not be denied and therefore woke me up and sent me for relief.  It is amazing how beaten up you get from the off road bumps and grind.  :(

The open desert landscape.

The mountains and mesas that popped up from the desert floor and added such wonderful views.