HWMR
The record attempt has completely changed from a headquarters based record with Bailey providing all Matthew’s support from one location, to a moving record. The only way this was possible was because of the generosity of the Crawfords jumping in to help Bailey crew. They also have a van that they use for their own record setting races and rides, so they knew exactly how to assist Matthew. The fresh injection of enthusiasm and affection lifted everyone’s spirits.
Matthew and Bailey were up until 1 am on Monday evening discussing the challenges around completing the 7 day high mileage effort. They knew it would be impossible to ride in 65 mph winds and didn’t have the crew and help needed to move to another location. After the phone conference with Jim and me, Matthew got a late start at 10 am. He’d agreed to keep riding while we searched for crew help. The wonderful Laura and John Crawford responded immediately and made the long 10 hour trip to Alamosa, CO from their home in Phoenix.
On his third day of riding, Matthew soldiered on through cold and gusty winds putting up another consecutive day of riding over 360 miles. Yesterday was the toughest day yet. According to Bailey, he rode up and down the valley trying to find more favorable winds but it seemed everywhere he rode there were headwinds and strong gusts. The impossible mileage numbers, high altitude, and cold weather seemed to be wearing down even Matthew’s superman-like strength. Unfortunately, the weather in the area Matthew is riding near Center, Colorado is about to get worse, a lot worse (see graph and forecast below), and Matthew and Bailey both knew it. Forecasts for Wednesday are very windy conditions with gusts up to 65 miles per hour.
Today went well! After a restful night sleep, I was ready to get on the road again and happy about the warmer temperatures. There was more wind today and 32 miles into a headwind was exhausting, but I feel like the wind gusts have allowed me to gain more Cruzbike handling confidence. All of these little things stack up to big wins, considering future ambitions.