You can call this hot! 11 June 2011

After sleeping like a dear man we woke early and were on the road by 0700. Actually, I snored so Mark probably suffered but he is too kind to complain. As we looked outside it appeared to be a bit cloudy but still early enough for that to burn off. In the 20 minutes it took to load up, get a cup of lousy coffee and close the door our prospects changed. Now we saw an approaching wall of blue black clouds. They were about a mile north and we are heading west. Maybe we can outrun the storm. Now Mark wants to go back through town so he can take photos of the High School that Kerry Underwood attended. After all, this is her home town! After that detour we just barely missed the lightning and rain that ensued. Close call!

I had hopes for a cooler ride today. After all, there was a 30kt crosswind and that had to bring relief. Not so. Although we seemed to be leaning at a 20 degree angle the wind was just a 104F blast from a different direction.

At a gas stop we met three riders who started in Dallas, went to San Diego, then Colorado and next to New Orleans. They will end up in Myrtle Beach, SC! We exchanged blog info.

Back on the bikes it only got hotter. Mark's eyes started to bother him, due to the hot wind. Although he said that we should press on for another 100 miles I asked to quit early. We stopped at a huge tourist trap (72 oz steak, I'm sure you have seen the billboards). As we went to pay the bill I discovered that my travel wallet was missing. I suspect that I dropped it at the last gas stop or photo stop. There was very little cash and I immediately cancelled the credit card. On a trip I carry a spare so I am back in business.

As an indication of the heat, my bike oil has gotten up to 250F in slow traffic and 230F on the highway. My tire pressure starts at 36psi and will go up to 38 as the tires warm. Today the rear tire hit 42psi. I also had to add a pint of oil this morning, due to running hard and hot for 1000 miles.

In a few minutes we will meet up with Bobby to plan for tomorrow. I hope to post this soon but our motel does not have WiFi.


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Location:Amarillo Texas