I’d mapped out a 35-mile route, but with temperatures up to around 50°F and light winds, I went ahead and knocked off my first 100km+ route of the year in the Cup O’ Dirt Challenge.
When I reached the decision point in the route — turn right to head home or turn left to keep going — I was feeling good, so I took the left. By about mile 45, fatigue began to set in and I was questioning that decision. There was really no question of finishing or not, so I just kept pedaling, and ended up with 65 miles at a 15.3 MPH average (fast for me!). [Strava activity]
Roads were in excellent condition overall. It had rained just the day before, followed by sunshine, so the gravel was smooth and packed, with just a few short sections of soupy mud or, in one case, fresh gravel.
The route was a bit odd. I headed east to LaHarpe, wiggled back a forth a bit, then west and south to Humboldt, across the Neosho River, the some wandering around on gravel, back across the Neosho on US-54, then home.
I love that area. That’s my home turf. Your pictures do good justice to its beauty. Great post.