2015-07-28 - WA - Day 62 - Newport to Beaver Creek Campground
I felt much better and rode the beautiful first leg of today's ride on my own, between the gorgeous river on my left and forested hillsides on my right. I made it all the way to rest stop 1 at Mangressa Grotto, twenty-three miles in, without taking a break other than to snap a few photos!
Several of us explored the grottoes, which were interesting spaces, filled with carved names. One room looked like a classroom, and I imagined people sitting on the rocks, listening to their guide speak at the podium. We had to hike or climb up some rather steep, slippery slopes to get to the grottoes. I took the hard way down and slid down part of the way, my pants scraping against the ground as dust clouds rose to engulf me.
Several of us explored the grottoes, which were interesting spaces, filled with carved names. One room looked like a classroom, and I imagined people sitting on the rocks, listening to their guide speak at the podium. We had to hike or climb up some rather steep, slippery slopes to get to the grottoes. I took the hard way down and slid down part of the way, my pants scraping against the ground as dust clouds rose to engulf me.
I joined a paceline after departing the stop, and we rode at 15-20 mph to the next rest stop, fifty-two miles in. Riding with a group made it much easier. We crossed a bright red bridge and headed several miles back the way we'd come but on the other side of the river before the stop. The stop was beside a small airport, at a convenience store that used to be a gas station. I left with a group of riders but slowed down significantly on the last climb into camp, dropping down to a mere 3.5 mph at one point. I took my time, but I made it! The bathrooms at camp weren't the cleanest, but the warm water and an egg sandwich with fries at the restaurant were quite enjoyable. I went to bed early.