I get an early start and am rewarded with beautiful views and lots of sunny-sun-sun. My newfound obsession with basking in the sun is almost reptilian.
I climb 3300’ (1000 m) by lunchtime and make it over a very chilly 5500’ (1700 m) pass before dropping back down the longest continuous descent I’ve ever done on this bike.
Planning the daily energy budget is a challenge through these mountains. It’s more about Wh per 1000’ of ascent than Wh/mile. I over-compensate after yesterday’s toils and reach the peak with around 70% battery charge remaining. That would normally be great except now I can’t take full advantage of regenerative braking on the long descent and the friction brakes get very hot.
There are honest to goodness tumbleweeds blowing around the campground. I’ve seen them before but they seem like a cliché when you first come upon them. I resist whistling the theme from The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly but I fail.
I’m not sure where tomorrow is going to take me, but I’ll be starting with a nearly full battery for the first time on this trip. I think it’s going to be a clear day so I should be able to make more miles and smiles. The bike and trailer have performed flawlessly. I’m ending each day pleasantly tired but ready for more the next day.
SOLAR ebike 