Day 2 - "They don't work on mountain bikes like yours, and stuff like that..."

Another beautiful day... Lets start with the stats:

100.16 miles
6 hours, 3 minutes
5352 feet of climbing
16.5 MPH average speed
133 BPM average heart rate
6144 Calories burnt!

The route can be seen here (this shows elevation, heart rate, etc as well): Day 2 Route
Note that the calorie count on the website (71,679 is incorrect :)).

Cumulative Stats (2 days):
212.52 Miles
10,162 feet of climbing
13,365 Calories burnt!

I wanted to get up about 6:00 this morning (3:00AM pacific time!), but decided to sleep in until 6:45. This meant I would roll out late - about 7:30. Most people left between 7:00 and 7:15. I thought I would be by myself - and have to catch the tail end of the group. Turns out that the fastest rider was running a little late too - and he waited for me. We took off and maintained a pretty fast pace for the first 30-ish miles. I couldn't hang on - but he would wait for me periodically. We eventually caught most of the group... but not everyone.

Lunch today was at Arby's in Scottsburg.

Today's route was a little hillier than yesterday's and it started wearing on everyone... speeds dropped, times went up - and most people are more tired tonight.

I had no issues other than the squeak, squeak, squeak. Our destination (Clifty Falls State Park) is near Madison, IN. In Madison, IN (pop. ~12K) there is a bike shop... so, as we rolled into town, I stopped and ask a man that was painting a house for directions to the shop. He said "There's no bike shop in this town...". Hmmm - Google disagrees. So, there was a young man walking down the street (no shirt, pants on his "hips"...). I figured HE would know where the bike shop is - and he did! Then he looked at me, looked at my bike... looked at me again - and one more glance at my bike. After careful consideration - he said "They ain't gonna be able to work on a bike like that one" :). Hmmm - I was contemplating "Why?". Then he says "They don't work on mountain bikes like yours, and stuff like that...". Huh... Why don't I just go ask them :).

Fizz'z Bike Shop

Anyway, long story, but the bike is fixed (sort of). The bike shop did not have the bottom bracket I needed, but they DID have the wrench. So I called the tour's bike mechanic (who has the part, but not the wrench) and he brought the part. Together, the two mechanics got it swapped out. I thought we were GOLDEN - and I left. Then I left the shop and started the 10 miler to Clifty Falls Inn. There is a large climb (~1.5 miles, 10%+ grade) - and the cranks started "jumping" and making a horrible noise. Once again, Bill took a look at it. It is now shimmed so it doesn't wobble any more - BUT, the bottom bracket sticks slightly at one spot. He recommended that I replace it again when I get home :). Anyway - it is ridable and quiet - that's most important.

Fizz'z Bike Shop

This is my room tonight - and my bike... The state park inns in Indiana are VERY nice. This one has a standard rack rate of $122/night. That's quite a deal for a brand new, very nice lodge like this (and free wi-fi). The view is great. The river in the background is the Ohio river. Just across the river is Kentucky.

Tonight's Room at the Clifty Falls Inn

Today's food:
Breakfast:
2 bowls of oatmeal with peaches
Large plate of about 5 scrambled eggs

Lunch:
Large Arby's beef and cheddar

Dinner:
2 small fish fillets
3 large scoops of mashed potatoes and gravy
2 scoops of carrots
~ 15 asparagus
2 glasses of chocolate milk
1 bowl of blackberry cobbler with ice cream
2 cookies

Recovery (pre-dinner):
1 Gu energy gel packet
1 Powerbar 20G protien bar

On the bike:
3 bottles of Cytomax
~4 bottles of water
2 packages of Shotblocks (6 / pkg)
1 package of Gu chomps
3 Gu energy gel packets

So - tomorrow is another 110-ish miles. I am heading to bed - as I need a full night sleep and early wake up.

Good Night.

-- Marcus