The DIRT Dad Fundo Across America- Day Four

Day 4- June 12, 2022: Lee Vining to Benton, Califonia

“Any Day I’m Out On A Bike Is A Good One” – Martyn Ashton

The ride from Lee Vining to Benton, CA was meant to be a transition day and a nice way to recover from yesterday’s epicness. There are no cities in between the two and the next one after is over 80-miles away. I could use an easy day!

There was no urgency to get on the road and I enjoyed taking the time to absorb the beautiful morning.

As I turned out of the RV park and began the initial 4-mile descent out of Lee Vining it became clear that my recovery ride had different plans. Like Mike Tyson punch you in the face plans.

A 35 mph sustained headwind whipping off of Mono Lake and gusts funneled by the mountains smacked me in the mouth. I was cranking in the small ring while going downhill on a 5% grade and could barely hold 10 mph.

I flew to the West Coast to put windy Long Island behind me and the prevailing tailwinds at my back. I like to climb, but I don’t like climbing into a headwind. It was brutal and beginning to beat me down.

That was when my support crew showed up and magically the ride turned around!

In case my words aren’t proof enough, I think they call this a Dust Devil! It was windy!

The sign says “Almost a Ghost Town.” If Lee Vining was sleepy then Benton has narcolepsy. Thankfully it is an “almost” because the world would be missing out on an interesting place.

I found some hot water directly from the source. Hopefully, the hot springs have magical powers. I can use all the help I can get.

Not quite a crafted microbrew. It was the closest I could get and seemed appropriate!

About the DIRT Dad Fundo Pledge for Day Four—Shawn McAfee

Shawn was one of the first guys I raced and became acquainted with when I joined DIRT. I was humbled and honored when he asked me to be a part of the little sub-team he was forming called Operation Bear Claw. Thank you for always believing in me Shawn.

Here is what Shawn had to say—“Oh my god, DIRT is literally like a third family. It’s the brothers and sisters all over the world who are just as nutty about bikes as me. Sharing a race with these teammates has been a huge joy in my life and has kept me actively training for all of the adventures that I bring into my life.”

Amount Raised to Date—$1,328

Thank you, Shawn!

Now off to Tonopah, NV!

To support Chris in his effort to raise awareness of The DIRT Dad Fund, the non-profit he created to assist members of the worldwide cycling community, check out this link to learn more. 


Find out where you can pledge a donation and subscribe to The ZOMs newsletter to follow along on the journey. 

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Karen
Karen
9 months ago

Very proud of your achievement! Keep up the good work–You can do this! Think of you every morning as I gear up & go out to do my ride.

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