Gooding, Idaho

Surprise, surprise, the temperature was hot again. The day started off cloudy, and the first couple of hours featured very strong headwinds. At the halfway mark, or just past it, we can always count on finding Walter’s RV, where an awning provides shade and there’s lots of chair so we can sit down and rest a spell. There’s always a pretty good crowd there, as you can see below.
There was lots of climbing today. All pretty gradual stuff, but the heat makes it that much more difficult. Even so, about 2/3 of the way to our destination of Gooding, I was in a state of bliss. If you don’t believe me, check the picture. Pictures don’t lie, right? Diane wanted you all to know that the kitchen crew doesn’t only fill up bikers, they also fill up tires on occasion. Diane travels with a group of 4 women in a small Tracker over the route the bikers travel, and if there’s a need along the way, they jump in and lend a hand. I assisted in fixing 2 flats today, and had to fix one of my own as well. As with my last flat, this one also happened overnight. Beats me why. The tire was just flat in the morning, due to a small gash in the tube. I still haven’t had a flat while actually riding.

We are currently in Gooding, ID, at the local high school. Our tent is among a whole row of trees, the first time we’ve actually had shade. We’re sitting in our camp chairs reading and relaxing, and really feeling that we’re on vacation.

Yesterday Diane and I were interviewed by the local paper in Mountain Home, ID. We have no idea how that article will turn out, but we hope we gave a good representation of what the tour is all about and our part in it. Randy De Wolde spoke at yesterday’s peloton on the theme of providence, and we all sense God’s providence very strongly in many small events. We’re especially grateful for the great sense of unity and fellowship, and the safety and good health we’ve experienced to this point.

We also got a very nice surprise today. Someone from Salt Lake City called and asked one of the tour organizers to let us know that they’d like us to stay with them this weekend. The caller’s name was Pat, and I’m trying to figure out who you are. I’ve known several Pats, and am eager to know which one this is. Thanks for the invitation, Pat, we’re looking forward to it – and so is our dirty laundry (I mean that literally, of course).

Tomorrow will be a longer day yet, and everyone is looking ahead with some trepidation at day 6 this week, while we remind each other to take one day at a time.

Today’s stats:

Distance: 97.90 kms
Average speed: 21.7 kph
Maximum speed: 51.8 kph
Time in saddle: 4.29.23
# of flat tires: 2