Day 6: Fallon to Middlegate Station

May 4, 2010

A photo essay...

Navy "Top Gun" pilots flew overhead most of the day. Sometimes two and three at a time in close formation, fast and loud.

5 miles east of Fallon the irrigated fields abruptly give way to desert.

Then the road crosses an immense salt flat. I rode to the left of the rumble strip because it takes less concentration.

At the far end of the salt flat is a huge sand dune. Traffic is light, about 1 car per minute.

A peaceful juxtaposition of rocks, salt, sand.

The first of two pathetic summits. Only a 750 foot climb.

Only a 450 foot climb. Hardly worthy of a sign.

The oasis of Middlegate Station was once a Pony Express station.

Middlegate Station is 4600 feet elevation. Camping wasn't appealing because the grassy area is close to the loud diesel generator. We got a room at the motel (made from trailers) for $40. Dirk is here as well. Today was easy but we couldn't go another 65 miles to the next place with water.

I had my first flat tire in Fallon. Sunny with a high in the low 70's. A nice tailwind developed in the afternoon. The scenery now is pure Basin and Range. I love it.

Distance: 55.6 mi. (89 km)

Climbing: 1631 ft. (494 m)

Average speed: 10.4 mph (16.6 km/h)

Maximum speed: 35 mph (56 km/h)

Today's ride: 56 miles (90 km)
Total: 303 miles (488 km)

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