Back on the road and back into the headwinds; we joined David, Catherine, Alan and Beth in a paceline in an effort to save some energy. We passed the 1000 mile mark (I actually had 1000 miles on the computer earlier in the day but this was the official one), and we took some pictures and celebrated the milestone. We arrived at the mid-day checkpoint close to the back of the pack (still), and I wolfed down my Subway wrap and an energy drink. About 4 miles after the checkpoint I bonked (ran out of fuel), and needed to stop for several minutes to swallow some GU gel and recover. That occurred rather quickly and we continued on until Alan got a flat. Fixed the flat, took some pictures, then continued on into the headwind yet again. The biggest challenge came soon after as the climbing started and the wind strengthened; at times we were climbing so slowly it might have been faster to walk! We arrived at the Montana/Wyoming state line and rested for a while. Once we moved on from that rest stop we found the terrain more downhill than up, even though the wind remained strong and adverse.

As we rode the thunderstorms were gaining on us and lightning was striking on the ridge to the south of us. We stopped briefly at the water stop about 8 miles out and got instructions for traversing the upcoming construction area. That involved several flaggers and some cross-country walking (hey, cyclocross wasn't in the brochure!), and riding along I-90 lanes that had been partially torn up for reconstruction. One of the Wyoming DOT trucks actually followed us over a narrow bridge blocking traffic behind us - they really took care of us cyclists! We raced the storm, rain and lightning the last few miles to the KOA outside of Sheridan, and rushed to get tents up before the rain started, which never ended up materializing. A wonderful shower was next on the agenda, and then we've just been spending our time eating at the small BBQ counter here in the campground and working on our websites and pictures. Bedtime will come early as we have our longest day ahead of us tomorrow - 111 miles! At least the forecast calls for tail winds - we can only hope!

Today's ride was sponsored by my Aunt Sonya, in memory of my mother Yvonne Nylund (Sonya's sister) who passed away on November 28th, 2003, and who would have celebrated her 68th birthday today. Mom challenged me all her life and I like to think that the physical and mental challenges I faced today were for her.