It was a brutal day on the bike. We had a 168km ride planned but I was done after 86km. I had headwinds in the 20-35km range for a good part of the day. It didn't help that I did not get a great night's sleep (badly aimed automatic sprinklers watered VanGo at 2am) and got a late start. After doing some ArtSites things and making some changes to my bike, I finally got on my way by about 10:30 am.
I didn't mention it yesterday but I hit a really bad series of big potholes crossing the South Saskatchewan River at high speed. I was surprised that I did not break something or get a flat. Well the effect of those potholes took effect today. My rear wheel developed a big wobble and the spokes started to make a very unsettling sound. Many of the spokes were lose. I ended up stopping about a dozen times in the first hour or so, tightening up the spokes and truing the wheel. I got rid of the noise and most of the wobble and hopefully tonight I can do a little more. Unfortunately this kind of punishment will severely shorten the life of the wheel. I may have to replace it soon.
I crossed into Saskatchewan a little after 1pm. Lunch was late, not only due to my slow progress but about 10km before out meeting point, I had a flat. A nice fine piece of wire gave me a slow leak. I notice that my rear tire is just about worn out and is cut up pretty badly. I'll replace that in Regina.
Oh, and who says that Saskatchewan is flat?! I've hit some pretty big hills once I entered the province. I look forward to the flat.
The weather is looking not so good for the next couple of days. They are talking about winds from the east (head winds) of 50 km/h gusting to 70. That would blow me backwards! If that's the way that it looks tomorrow, I think that we will make tomorrow a rest day.