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We love headwinds, don't we?

AURORA, Neb. -- Let's see.... We have completed five of the seven days of Bicycle Ride Across Nebraska. Three of the first five days have been dominated by headwinds.

It's not surprising that we were blasted with headwinds all day today as we traveled more than 70 miles southeast from Loup City to Aurora. Most people got pelted by heavy rain during the course of the day. Some people reported feeling light hail. Others had to be carried by support vans to safety because of lightning strikes close to the course.

But, back to the headwinds. Most of the weeklong bike rides I've been on have had their share of early birds, but this one has more than most. That's because people want to be on the roads before the wind makes a significant difference in their speed.

By Thursday afternoon, the wind was coming from the northeast at 25 to 30 mph. Unless you are blessed with great athletic talent, the only way you and your knees are going to survive a day like this is by spinning lower gears. Sure, the heart gets a workout, but it beats the heck out of blowing out your knees.

As of 7 p.m., I still saw baggage waiting for their owners sitting under the football field grandstands. It would not surprise me to see people still trying their best to finish the course by sunset. Unlike the bulk of weeklong rides I've done, BRAN lets you ride until sunset. Most rides do a sweep of the course in the neighborhood of 5 or 6 p.m.

I still am impressed with the hospitality of the people of Nebraska. The civic groups continue to knock themselves out to make us feel welcome with genuine friendliness and great food. While my legs will be glad to see this week end, my mind and heart will not. Congratulations, Nebraska, for living up to the state's reputation for warm, friendly people.

P.S.: The forecast for Friday calls for more wind and the possibility of thunderstorms. What a shock.

Roger 3 comments links to this post 7:13 PM

Comments:

Roger,

Thanks for posting your blog. I am home after just 3 days on BRAN. I hurt my knee on the first day and tried to ride to Arthur but only made it half way. I tried again to ride to Arnold but my knee just was throbbing. My family picked my up in Loup City last night and I am so bummed because I am missing BRAN. Sounds like today was another rough one. Too bad we have so much wind. I am planning on driving to Brainard tomorrow to enjoy the last night with everyone. I am so glad I found your Blog because at least I know how everyone is doing. Thanks for linking it to the BRAN website. Have a good day tomorrow.

Rick

# posted by  RICK : 9:44 PM

 

As a rider that typically gets done before noon each day, it is interesting to hear the experiences of riders that are out there most of the day. Thanks for sharing.

# posted by  Mark : 1:27 PM

 

Hey interesting reading, I left BRAN on Friday after a sag ride into Brainard. And on Thursday I can confirm hail. I have to say that this week has had some of the most challenging rides of my life.

# posted by  Matt : 5:13 PM

 

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