Another RRAMU Adventure

We got to the backside of Nebo waaaay too late and out of water. It had been a super hot and head windy day. 90 miles in the tank and we are climbing Santaquin Canyon with 10% grades fully loaded. I was the only one to pack extra water. Once we got on top there was no running water to be found so we trudged on, mile after mile, climb after climb, until we reach the Ponderosa Campground at the bottom of the Nebo Loop. I wished we had more time to enjoy the ride but we were all worked and in a desperate search for H2O. The campground was perfect and lifted all our spirits for another day.

After a somewhat late start on Day 2 (9:30) we headed south throught Sanpete and Sevier Counties for what I thought would be an easy day. The reality is there is no such thing as an easy day fully loaded, 85+ degrees and a consistent 10+mph headwind for 100 miles. Lunch in Manti was amazing. Millers Drive In was a very special treat. Carl inhaled 2 combo meals. A broken spoke left Carl to a car ride finish while Josh and myself headed on to finish the day in Central Valley. As I started to notice our final turn off the main highway we just about lost our lives in the hands of an 80 year old woman driver and her Buick. Her side mirror brushed Josh's leg and came within inches of my panniers. Scary stuff!

Day 3 got started way too late. I was still reliving my close encounter with the Buick. That along with bike repairs and low motivation we failed to get started before noon. Big Rock Candy Mountain seemed like it had moved a few miles further south than I remember. I knew my ride was finished after 25 miles into Marysvale. A great place to end anything really. Lunch at Hoovers with the family and then we sent Carl on his way. He continued on into Panguitch and will finish the push to Brian Head today. In hindsight I wish I would have gotten an early start and finished her off. The climb to Brain Head is a real cyclist treat.

Day 1 kicked our butts and the headwind slowly drained the motivation. Will there be another RRAMU? I dont know..the jury is out on that decision and the official map has been passed to Kevin aka Care Free Carl. He cant even organize his hair so it may be the end