Features, The DIRT Dad Fundo Across America

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

Date: Saturday, June 12, 2022
Weather: Bright sun, temps were moderate in the 60s to 80s—picture-perfect, except for the 35 mph sustained winds that gusted to 50.
Starting Point: Lee Vining, CA
Departure Time: 0630 pst
Miles: 48
Moving Time: 2:44
Total time:3:30
Overnight Location: Inn at Benton Hot Springs, Benton, CA

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.

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.

Chris Schwenker

Semi-retired after more than 20 years as the owner and director of a private Orthopedic Physical Therapy practice, Chris now enjoys the freedom to dedicate himself to his passions—virtual cycling and writing.

Driven to give back to the sport that has enriched his life with countless experiences and relationships, he founded a non-profit organization, TheDIRTDadFund. In the summer of 2022, he rode 3,900 miles from San Francisco to his “Gain Cave” on Long Island, New York, raising support for his charity.

His passion for cycling shines through in his writing, which has been featured in prominent publications like Cycling Weekly, Cycling News, road.cc, Zwift Insider, Endurance.biz, and Bicycling. In 2024, he was on-site in Abu Dhabi, covering the first live, in-person UCI Cycling Esports World Championship.

His contributions to cycling esports have not gone unnoticed, with his work cited in multiple research papers exploring this evolving discipline. He sits alongside esteemed esports scientists as a member of the Virtual Sports Research Network and contributes to groundbreaking research exploring the new frontier of virtual physical sport. Chris co-hosts The Virtual Velo Podcast, too.