Cycle Across America – Day 66

Iron River to Foster City

60 miles / 2,119ft climb

We haven’t stayed in an Americinn hotel chain as yet and when the receptionist informed us that they offered one of the best breakfasts, our excitement was palpable.

At breakfast, in search of that elusive fresh fruit, we were disappointed to find only powdered scrambled egg and sausage which at a best guess had 5% meat and 95% fat and gristle. There were of course deep fried tata tots (yes,really) and make your own waffles but there was nothing that had not been processed and stripped of anything vaguely nutritious. We were briefly excited by the ‘strawberry’ label, only to find reconstituted specks of what used to be strawberries sitting in a vat of sugary gloopy syrup.

From a nutritional perspective we were lacking today in all senses. Our planned brunch stop at 20 miles was closed and there was no other option for another 20 miles. So after 40 miles in total, we were gutted to find our only option closed again.

Fear not, we had between us, two squashed stroopwafels, the dregs of a bag of 65 day old homemade trail mix, a dried apricot, a granola bar and a leftover pastry from breakfast and so we feasted in style on a bench outside the closed cafe.

When the heavens opened an hour or so later and we still had 14 miles to reach our destination, we were invited by the very lovely Maureen to come and take shelter in her garage. When she kindly supplied us with drinks and a bowl of fresh fruit, we couldn’t contain our excitement!

Two punctures, one each for John and I, a long stretch on the highway and for John, a broken derailleur cable with 20 miles to go (think cycling in one gear only – the hardest one), all added to the less enjoyable aspects of today. In all honesty, I think today might make it to the ranks of one of the least desirable cycle rides of the past 66 days. Oh and it was our 31st wedding anniversary today!

Our saving grace – a beautiful cabin on the river to stay in, a fully stocked fridge with food and drink, including fresh fruit for two days and a rest day tomorrow!

It may have been a less than perfect day but it is the perfect ending to the day.