Monday, June 12, 2006 - I was up again at 5:00 and only the road by 6:00 or so. There was still a headwind to contend with, though slightly gentler than yesterday. The temperature was also a bit milder, topping out in the low nineties. Those two changes, along with a slightly shorter route (73.11 miles, 7:32:12 time, total time 11 hours), made for a somewhat easier day.

My knee was still giving me problems off and on all day, worse towards then end, but was manageable with ibuprofen. Today was pretty hilly, with a route through the Gypsum Hills, a region which offered spectacular scenery in places. Small mesas made the land look like the desert southwest.

Lunch in Coldwater was at a restored old-time movie theater, which was pretty neat. Dinner was at the school in Medicine Lodge. It was OK, but nothin special.

I was able to hang with a couple of pacelines today, which helped a lot. The wind switched to the south for an hour or so after lunch, which was also a relief.

All in all, a good day. Just hope my knee holds up for the rest of the trip.

Gypsum Hills, West of Medicine Lodge
Gypsum Hills, West of Medicine Lodge