The NEW hardest day!
Monday was a very challenging day for the guys for three primary reasons: distance, wind, and climbs. They covered 69 miles with frigid, blustery headwinds "beating the daylights out of them," especially as they rode around Yellowstone Lake. All three of them ended up wearing their cold weather gear for most of the day. They crossed 3 passes -- each one above 8,000 feet elevation! I am told it would have killed lesser men. :) Throughout this very arduous day the boys rode strong and always rode safely down hills. Lee continues to be so proud of them for their mental and physical strength.The day was gorgeous and sunny, with incredible views as they climbed over those passes. They had a steep 10 mile climb to the first pass. Later they crossed the Continental Divide twice! Temperatures stayed around 55 degrees with blustery winds all day. The boys said that the wind off the lake took away from some of the beauty. They saw 5 big horn sheep along the way.
After 10 hours of riding they arrived at their hotel... They were all very tired (an understatement). This is where a couple of funny stories occurred. The first had to do with getting the bikes and the BOBs into the hotel. I am not sure if any of you have considered how all of the gear gets to the hotel rooms each night. On this particular night they had to use an elevator to get to their hotel room. Zhenya went up in one elevator with a bike and a disconnected BOB. Lee sent Sasha up to meet him with another bike and BOB (Zhenya was waiting for Sasha). The elevator right next door opened so Lee hopped in and followed Sasha's elevator up. As Lee stepped off his elevator, there stood Sasha with a bike, but no BOB, giggling like crazy. Zhenya was just shaking his head and laughing. The BOB did not make it off the elevator and was riding around the Old Faithful hotel all by itself! They eventually re-united with their BOB and all was well.
The next story involves Sasha, too. After this grueling ride, they were all tired and ready for dinner. Sasha said that he was too tired to shower. Lee said that they all needed to shower since they had been riding all day. Sasha declared, "I smell good." Lee said that anyone who didn't shower wasn't eating dinner with him. Sasha sighed and said that he would shower after all.
DAILY STATS:
69 miles from the eastern border of YNP to Old Faithful
9 am to 7:15 pm, sunny, windy, 55 degrees
First pass 8,530 feet
Continental Divide #1 8,391 feet
Continental Divide #2 8, 262 feet
Total elevation gain of 3,200 feet
514 total miles to date
Thank you, again, for your prayers for the guys as they continue on this incredible adventure. They are truly enjoying God's creation and the fellowship of each other's company.
