Buffalo to Gillette, WY 72 miles With BOB.
Today was a hot one. My bike thermometer read 113 in the direct sun. Lots of sunscreen & water made that tolerable. We were on Interstate 90 for 66 of the 72 miles. Easy riding on the big wide shoulders & really very clean – except for the tire debris that claimed my tire.
Yes, I had my first flat of the tour. With over 1500 miles done, I consider that really lucky. In fact, I was reluctant to mention my avoidance of any flats in fear of jinxing my good luck. Others have been getting quite a few. I actually got the flat just before an exit where there was a water stop, and a short distance from there was a tree for some shade. So, after a short walk, I had plenty of water, relief from the sun, & five fellow cyclists offerring pumps, tubes, cookies & moral support. I'm going to miss this group – the camaraderie can really help getting through tough days like yesterday. And there's always somebody behind you to help.
BIG NEWS (& a big surprise): My friend Chris Fahey is picking me up in Devils Tower tomorrow & is going to sag me through South Dakota. That is going to be so great to have help getting through there, especially with the dry heat that's taken over the region.
More on that later. Tomorrow is my last day with the tour & I still have 68 miles to the tower with BOB in tow, & temps are forecast for over 100. Gotta get some rest.