A Relief Day

Today, Thursday, July 10, we had a shorter 73kms ride of which most was downhill. I was on the sweep team so we had a bit later start. I headed off first and it was along the Oregon Trail again. Small incline to start but it was all downhill from there so a pretty easy day and a chance to relax a bit and take in some of the local sights.

First, I came across this horse ranch that had a lead trainer in the paddock.

Now I’ve seen a horse lead trainer before but this one was unique as it had a fake cow on the end of it. I couldn’t figure out why you would use a cow as bait for a horse and I had to acquire this information. I got off my bike and walked up to the door of the house and knocked.

Julie and her 7yrs old daughter Jayden greeted me. Can you explain the cow? Yes she said, it is used to train people to rope calves. It has different speeds and will stop if you rope it correctly. Cool. Jayden then told me I had the most beautiful hair she had ever seen. Thank you! Then she asked “Would you like to meet my new pet goat?” Jayden, I should would!

They lead me to the backyard where there were 3 pens with similar coloured Black and White animals. 2 were border collies for ranch work and the other was Lizzy the goat. Jayden went into the pen and grabbed Lizzy. “Look, I can pick up my goat.” Lizzy was really just a kid about a few months old. Julie explained that Jayden;s dog had just died and so they had rescued this goat from a Mexican BBQ. I didn’t think it was a good time to mention that currie goat was actually very tasty. “Have you had a goat as a pet before?” I asked. “Yes, when I was a kids my sister had one. It was a pain” In the background you can hear Jayden yelling” Quit butting me!” “Don’t eat my Mom’s new tree.” I’m giving it a month until Julie thinks the BBQ isn’t such a bad idea.
I headed off again on my bike and came across the oasis that we all aim towards on our daily rides-Walter’s RV.

This is usually parked at the half way point or at the top of some monstrous incline we are doing that day. Walter greets us all with cold drinks, a smile, a few lawn chairs and an encouraging word. He usually scopes out the best stops and when possible near water for a swim. The only thing that would add to this little piece of heaven would be some watermelon…which the kitchen staff are working on.

As our route descended into the valley, we had to actually bike along the interstate highway for a while as the valley is so narrow there is only room for the one rod and the railway tracks. There was construction happening so it was unnerving to be crossing an over pass that is being torn apart just a few feet away.

We were welcomed to the lovey valley village of Huntington. The people were so excited to have us arrive. There were signs posted and all sorts of treats. The local Laundrette/Beauty Shop/Liquor Store/Bait and Tackle offered free laundry machines to all cyclists.

Also Beverley opened the town museum just for us. Now it is housed in a former Methodist Church and had a neat collection from local residents. Basically, everyone had cleaned out the attic of Grandparents past and put it in one location. There were freeze dried hummingbirds that Beverley’s uncle had found and put in a jar taped closed. Local war uniforms, handmade dresses and toys. Treasures from generations past that now have a place of honour. Beverley told me that the town had wanted to get a souvenir made for the cyclists but they hadn’t had time. I asked if there was something that we could give her as a memento of our tour stop. How about a shopping bag? She was so touched, “That would be wonderful.”

I went back to camp and got one for her with a Thank you card and delivered them to Betty. I also asked the organizers if we could have a t-shirt and have all the cyclists sign it and donate that as well. We are working on it for the morning.
The weather is still hot and dry. The wind is incredible,blowing the dust around and lift our tents right out of the pegs. Should be an interesting sleep tonight. This area looks and feels a lot more like Arizona that I thought it would.

Finally, here it is. The dreaded goathead that is send tires popping all over the rides.