Vallejo to Sacramento
Miles: 66. Climb 1,100
We had an easy ride today. One long climb to start the day, then flat with a strong tailwind. The weather was perfect and the tailwind was something I've dreamed about. We did a tour of the Jelly Belly factory this morning before riding across a valley through huge vegetable farms and orchards. I now understand why California has a water problem.
I again rode with the Brits, John and Liz, and with Hans from Germany and Jean, one of the staff supporting the ride. The conversation about the future of the European Union and about the US Presential election was quite interesting and made the miles fly by. Or maybe it was the sugar from the Jelly Bellies?
I've been reflecting on what type of trip this is. Some cyclists prefer touring. Their goal is to ride from point A to point B, often being totally self sufficient by carrying all gear and food on their bikes. Road cyclists prefer to carry nothing except a power bar, hand pump and spare tube. Their goal is to go somewhere, anywhere, fast. We are some of both on this trip. We are trying to get from San Francisco to New Hampshire, so we are a touring group. But most of the riders are on road bikes, want to cover the route in a respectable time and they like to ride fast. But the goal we share is common, and that is to make it across the US on bicycle.
Tomorrow is a short ride. 50 miles, the last 15 of which we climb. The following day we go over Donner Pass as we head to Truckee, California and then Sparks, Nevada. The next few days will be a test of character.
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