Day 3

Today was a repeat of yesterday, with one important exception, headwinds. Strong headwinds. "Why am I doing this, am I actually going backwards?" headwinds. OK, maybe not that strong, but close. The saving grace has been the preparation I put into this trip; the three-a-week spin classes, four-hour Thursdays, the six-hour Indoor Gran Fondo, and my Shawn-designed workouts. 

Speaking of Shawn Wenger, her voice, and Rhonda Eden's have been playing in my head as I climb: "Relax your shoulders; Remember, push down, scrape at the bottom, pull up, toe down 20% on push". Their advice has made climbing doable. Sure could have used that smaller Granny ring, however.

Alpine was at 2000 feet. Boulevard, where we are now, sits at 3500, but we crested a peak at 4200 before dropping down here. 

Tomorrow will be a longer day, but more downhill as we head out of the mountains toward the desert.

Great second breakfast at Major's

Summitting

Water break and fill-up. Dena (foreground), Greg, Gina, Carl, Paul ( leader and van driver), Derek. 

Day 3 campground.