Previously, I provided my description of a routine day on the R2R. I guess it only appropriate that I give you all a sense of what goes on between shoving off 30 minutes before sunrise and pulling into whatever abode we are staying at for the night – i.e., the ride itself.
First, every ride is different but there are some commonalities – at least for me. After making sure all our safety lights are on, we shove off in no particular order and quickly spread out according to how everyone is feeling that day. For me, the first few miles are filled with some apprehension about the climbs coming up and the heat as my body reluctantly begins to become less stiff and warms up. I do take a moment to enjoy the sunrise, the quiet rustling of the breeze, the morning noises of cows looking for their calves, birds chirping and occasional coyotes’ serenade. The high desert reminds me of growing up in the Four Corners area of New Mexico. Lots of sagebrush smells.
Usually, but certainly not always, we have a few miles before the climbs start. That’s when I get the “10-yard stare” and wonder – “what in the hell, I’m doing.”
It’s usually an internal conversation. While my mind is surveying the venue, my body is saying –“Wait a minute… we’re doing this AGAIN!!?? After we finished IRONMAN ARIZONA 9 years ago, we agreed no more of this *^%# !! I don’t recall agreeing to ANYTHING like THIS *#@&*“. (I have a very profane inner voice).
After the climbs have ended – if ever – or my legs have adapted and given up revolting – I settle into a zone I call “making circles”… just keep riding. Some, like Bill, are much better at “smelling the roses” than I am. Sometimes I have to consciously make myself look up, look around, and take in the grandeur of this country. If the terrain is fairly flat, or there is a nice pull-out, I will even take a photo or two.
It is now time for our Evening Meeting so I will close for now and continue with – the ‘rest of the ride’ later… and let your imaginations run wild as to how the middle part of the ride brings.
Ron Bowman
USNA 1973 Ride-2-Remember 
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