We did the first 50 kms, drafting the tandem, into a 20 km/h headwind, in 1 hour 55 minutes - not bad! A quick trip into the little convenience store there and we were on our way again. We hung with the tandem into the headwind for another 25 kms, but as they gradually began to pick up speed, one by one the 3 of us on single bicycles dropped off. After the first guy dropped off the back, I was more than happy to drop off too! My legs right above the knees were very tight. The last 25 km into the 100 km town were quite a bit slower because we were fighting the headwind without the tandem, but it was better.

We pulled into the 100 km town at 4 hours and 23 minutes, and had a quick breakfast, a few stretches, then set off again . . . with the wind at our backs! And it had increased to about 40 km/h! We flew for the next 60 kms into the next control!! It was absolutely fabulous! We were easily cruising between 31 and 35 km/h. It was a fairly clear day, sun was shining, the temperature reached +18C/64F and it was simply beautiful! We could hardly have asked for better conditions!

We rolled into the control at 7 hours and 30 minutes, stopped in at a grocery store for a few minutes, and set off again. By now the wind had shifted to be straight south and had become even stronger and gusty - which meant that it was a crosswind. Our pace had slowed at this point because of that crosswind, but we were still making pretty good time. Then 5 kms out of the last little town before Winnipeg my energy just died. All of a sudden I had nothing! I struggled into the town and we stopped at a restaurant. We usually stop at that restaurant for a quick break even though it isn't a control and I really needed to stop! When I headed into the washroom, I discovered that my stomach was growling with hunger . . .oops! I splashed some cold water on my face - I was feeling really hot just then - and I ate something.

We had 20 kms to go, and it was all directly into a headwind so the 3 of us formed a small paceline and rotated all the way back in. Our goal was to finish under 10 hours so we roared down that 20 kms, dashed into the final control at exactly 9 hours and 55 minutes! That was a new personal best on a 200K brevet for all three of us! My previous personal best was 12 hours so I dropped over 2 hours off of that! What a difference weather makes.

It was a really good ride - personal best and no mechanical difficulties! The 60 kms of wind at our back definitely helped, but we rode hard and kept our breaks short.

I'm really sleepy right now (after having my hot shower and supper), and my leg muscles are tight, but otherwise I feel pretty good.