June 16.
Today we rode from Wells, NV to Wendover, Utah. Wendover is in both states. On the Nevada side, West Wendover, are several casinos, but not on the Utah side. Today was only (haha) 61 miles long, but we had some very large hills to climb. Our first rest stop was at 6967 ft elevation, where I-80 crosses the Pequop mountains. And I rode all the way up–about five miles, maybe six. The inclines on the interstate are not steep, but you sure have to climb for a very long time. That means, though, that you also get to descend for miles!
There were a couple of construction areas on the way, where the left lane was closed and also the shoulder for a very short distance. Some of our number thought it would be safe to head on through, but when I looked at it, I decided to walk my bike on the other side of the concrete barricade. Sorry–no photos! The sheriff showed up at our first rest stop and asked everyone who remained to go ahead and stop. I would have done that anyway, and already had done so at the first area.
When you go really slow, like 4 to 6 miles per hour up a long incline, you notice more in the scenery, I think. I can imagine that it might be boring to look out the window at the scrubby plants and flatlands, with short mountains in the distance when you’re tearing along at 75 or 80 miles per hour. But at this slow pace, you notice the light changing on the hills. You crane your neck and look up at the rocks as you pass through the cuts in the hills to make a less steep road. I even had a mouse run into my path once!
At the crest of the last hill before descending into Wendover, I saw a sight I wasn’t really expecting. I hadn’t thought ahead about the salt flats of Utah, and I didn’t know that they started right there! I bicycled all the way up that hill, reached the crest and was amazed by what I saw below. The pictures I got aren’t nearly as amazing as the sight was, especially when accompanied by the feeling of accomplishment after climbing.
In Wendover, we are staying in what was once the officers’ club at a military base where they trained for the mission of the Enola Gay, carrying the nuclear bombs in WWII. The officers’ club has been restored using as close as possible to the original colors and there are many photos and models of the WWII times. So we are spending a Night at the Museum. I hope it stays calm!
One thing that’s disappointing to me is that, in this place, where models of the nuclear bombs are displayed along with the smiling crew of the Enola Gay, there is no mention that I found of the horrible destruction and suffering caused by those bombs.
It’s not too late to support the Fuller Center for Housing!