PAC Tour Weatherford to Purcell, OK (14)

Today      112 miles         4,600 feet of climbing                8:06 elapsed time            55 – 97 degrees

So far   1,566                  62,000                                     5   12:55 

Another great day of riding across America.  Today we rode seventeen miles on old 66, then switched to Oklahoma country roads for the rest of the way.  The roads were a delight to ride, through the country, little traffic and lots of rollers.  Hill after hill after hill.  We got plenty of climbing in today, had some tailwinds, some headwinds, but mostly cross winds.  Nothing too strong. 

Today was about enjoying the riding.  Not much in the way of distractions along the route.  We saw a lot of red Oklahoma dirt (see below) along the way.  As so often happens we rode up a hill, made a turn and the scenery changed.  See the pine forest along the road in the photo below.  Since we’re traveling through the Permian Basin we’re seeing lots of oil drilling activity.  There seems to be plenty of oil in Oklahoma at these prices. 

The group just keeps rolling along.  The routine is established, most issues have been resolved (physical and mechanical).  I am amazed at how many PAC Tour events some of the riders have participated in.  John, a doctor from Australia has ridden several cross continent rides, and Doug who joined the ride in Amarillo as crew has ridden 37,000+ miles on these rides.  I guess they’ve found out what they like to do.  Me?  I’m working on finishing my first. 

Despite being real glad to see the Purcell sign at the end of the day, Saturday night in Purcell was not real exciting.  We found a good Mexican restaurant and a Dairy Queen.  Beyond that, there was no Wi-Fi and no laundry nearby.  What is arider to do for fun on Saturday night in Purcell.  Sleep - the last resort.