Day 7 -- Fallon, NV

I was up and ready before anyone got out of bed. I cleaned my bike last night and prepared everything I needed for today in neat piles by my bed. I put cream on my chamois, took my anti-inflammatory drugs, applied sunscreen, fastened my shoes, etc. I was ready for my first day back on the bike.

We rolled down the hill to a pancake breakfast at the Children’s Museum and I felt no pain. We left a half-hour later for Fallon, NV and 10 miles into the ride, still nothing. Before I knew it, we had finished the 60 miles for the day across the first stretch of highway 50 (“the loneliest highway in America”) and my elbow hadn’t caused me any problems. I let out a sigh of relief at what I could only imagine was a good sign. Only time will tell if I am alright, especially since tomorrow is our first Century and one the hardest days on the entire trip.

Fallon is near the famed Navy Fighter Weapons School (aka “TOPGUN”) as well as Area 51. Although we did not visit the base, we did see it from a distance. Dinner was provided by Fallon industries as a pirate themed karaoke night. I sat next to Andrew, a 23-year-old man who had not spoken in two years and refused to interact or acknowledge my presence. I tried to start a conversation with him for 1 hour unsuccessfully. I was getting to the point of frustration before an idea struck me. I left the room and came back with a pen and paper and drew a tic-tac-toe grid. I X’ed in my first box and pushed the paper to Andrew. He looked at the paper, and for the first time smiled at me. He picked up the pen and drew me a picture of a basketball game. For the rest of the night, we drew each other pictures and I told him stories. Andrew was very responsive and even gave me a drawing to take back home, which he signed with his name. It was a great feeling to be able to accomplish something like that and I left the center with a smile on my face and a new friend.

After dinner, we headed back to lodging to enjoy a bittersweet evening together. As many of you know, the North and South teams (56 cyclists total) have been riding together for these first 7 days. Tomorrow, however, we part ways out of lodging. South is heading towards Texas, and North towards Chicago. We’ll rejoin in the Capitol in 60 days. I have become very close with some people on the South team so it was hard to say goodbye. Naturally, everyone decided to keep an air about them and bro-hugs abounded. I could tell people were just as torn up about this departure as I was though.

PS. We all had to shave our legs because as cyclists, it makes any injuries heal faster and avoids infection. Also, asphalt grips onto hair which would make falls at high speeds ten times worse. I uploaded a picture of Joe waxing his legs. He screamed like a little girl. It was hilarious.