Friday SNOWVILLE - WILLARD 108 km

Friday July 18th 2008 - DAY 19

Upon leaving friday morning, it looked like some cyclists were chasing
down the portapotty SAG- as well this is the town of Snowville
and its entirity- a four way stop.

We started our day off with, Len, Julie, Katrina, and Steph….we stopped 20m down the road because his rear tire was making noise. It came down to a rock lodged in his rear brake rubbing on his tire. I came to his rescue, and helped him out. Then we were on our way to hwy 1-84. The ride on the highway was absolutely lovely, for there was a newly paved lane that they still had pylons up so that drivers could not ride on it. This was absolutely glorious for us. We continued on this busy highway for about 20 miles, which most was climbing….not hard hills but climbing none the less. Upon departing the highway, we came upon “Walter’s Oasis” for this is the place were you stop, eat a snack and get a drink. Lately Walter has been able to give us treats as well, watermelon is my favourite right now. We were on our way to leave from Walter’s, when Len said we should go with out him, for he was feeling not as speedy as we were going and pulling him. Us 4, went on our way, and for the most part, since the roads were empty, were able to double, sometimes, triple or quadruple up in our lane. This way we can chat as well as ride, passing the kilometres more quickly then in a pace line. A headwind was there but we continued our doubles for sometime until we reached the ATK local missile factory, out side of the building where they build missiles, they have a display, of rockets and other ‘metal’ things, which we stopped to look at, and wander through. For really, we were in the middle of a desert, and then this huge rocket appears in front of you, and many buildings as well, makes for an interesting discover and mini pause to our cycling of the day.

Once done at the display, we continued on our way, Joshua joined us, for he no longer wanted to ride with Reuben and Nick (these guys are probably the top 3 cyclists on the tour). Joshua joined our pace line all way until we were 10 k from our campsite. This is when we stopped for icecream. Icecream and cycling right afterwards doesn’t mix or sit so well, so for future reference for me, I will now have ice cream after the ride…whereby not having to have it jump around in my stomach so much. Upon reaching our campground, we had a lovely lake to swim in, and a backdrop of mountains…it made for a glorious front yard and a wonderful backyard. It is sometimes surreal to just bike from town to town, or city to city. There are times when I feel like I am cycling in Ottawa, going down a road I know, passing over bumps and cracks that I have ridden over before.
Then reality hits, we are cycling across the continent. The scope of that idea is still vague, mostly I am taking it one day at a time....

Joshua, Nick and Reuben riding the rocket.
Joshua apparently had 'rocket grunge' on his legs
from climbing onto this 'missile'?

this photo depicts what we rode through on friday, and then up popped the missile place...and then nothing but desert and sage brush again.

THIS Is the front yard (or back-take your preference), of our Willard Bay State Park campspot on friday.

BACKYARD - look at the amazing backdrop we have for our backyard.