Conoco Phillips refinery in Ponca City
A field of Sunflowers
Sunrise in Enid; note the flagTo get there is was more secondary roads running through farmland and ranches of all sizes and shapes. today we had more tress along the roads to help shelter us from the winds, however in several areas we were in wide open spaces to feel the full force of the wind and gusts. When we passed over I-35 the winds nearly blew us over.
Along the way there was two trucks each loaded with two of the blade arms that are used on the wind turbines. Up close these things were impressive. At the base they were over 10' in diameter and had to 100-125' in length.
We had a little more riding time with the wind at our back today as Ponca City was northeast of Enid. Although the bulk of our ride was "due East" we got relief with at least 15 miles of "due North." I hit speeds of 28-29 mph leading our group on the flats with the iwnd at my back - and I wasn't pushing it!
Oklahoma has low gasoline prices. Unleaded was $2.99 to 3.09 a gallon; diesel only $3.59 / gallon. However, their roads leave a lot to be desired. Today we had stretches where the pavement turned to loose gravel for miles at a time. During one stretch of the gravel, Archie got the flat tire for the day.
Also, a lot of road kill along the roads - large birds, snakes, armadillios, skunks, etc. Yesterday, a live skunk crossed the road out in front of us. We slowed and gave him time to pass, making sure we did not freighten him!
Tonight we have Pizza and Pasta for dinner. After a relaxing afternoon watching some football, getting a massage, talking to Marcy and doing some clothes washing, I'm ready for some carbs! Tomorrow we go to Bartlesville, our last full day in Oklahoma. It's taking us longer to get through this state than any other on this trip. Heavy rains are in the forecast along with winds of 17 mph! Looks like our biggest challenge is in front of us. I have the rain gear ready; hopefully it won't be needed.
Today's stats:
72 miles
1,945 kcals
1,990' of climbing despite a drop in elevation of 209' to 1,069'
4:15 minutes in the saddle for a 17.4 mph average
1 flat, not mine!
1 comment:
Hi Mark!
Hey, I get the first comment of the day. I enjoyed the irony of the photo of your group on bikes, passing an oil refinery in view of our current situation. I wonder how much gas we'd save if people would ride bikes for short trips versus their cars, SUV's, etc. Food for thought. Bad day yesterday for my team, Univ of Miami. In case you didn't hear, UM lost a heartbreaker to FSU in one of the wierdest, most entertaining games I have seen in years. I can almost imagine all of you looking forward to a few hills, just to break the monotony of the flatlands. I'll be looking for what tomorrow brings. Your group is doing really well. I am impressed. I would be interested to know the occupations of the other riders. Maybe a short bio on one rider per day. You can start with Ricky Bobby. He sounds like a character.
Ride on.....
Rick
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