Day 5 Yosemite National Park - Porcupine camp

Stats
Daily mileage 60 Ride time 6hr 45min
Avg speed 8.93mph Total mileage 175

“pain is temporary, quitting is forever”. I had to say that to myself too many times today. That was probably the toughest days riding I have ever done on a bicycle. Ann drove me back to where my chain snapped so I could continue from the same point and I got stuck straight in. The elevation at the start was around 2800ft. Ann was cheering me along and was acting as a back up for the first 15miles. Eventually, I told her I was ok to go along and thank her for all her kindness. She was incredible and cannot thank her enough.

It started getting hot and the road got steeper. I could barely keep it above 6mph on the hills and knew I was in for a tough day. I was drinking copious amounts of fluid and topped it up when ever I could. 9 miles after the Yosemite gate entrance I passed a sign stating the elevation was 5000ft. I was at a point where I had to decided whether to finish the day early or try and push on another 25 miles up to the camp situated at 8000ft. My legs were burning and soar and I really should have stopped there but instead I got on the bike and continued the climb to the camp.

The problem was that it was not just a simple climb. I was constantly going up and down therefore climbing even more. I honestly believe I have climbed about 7000ft (2,300m) today and was finding it so tough near the end. I also drunk about 9 litres of water throughout the day. My t shirt was covered in salt stains and I found myself sucking the top to get some salt back in my body. Disgusting, I know!

At 5.30pm I got to my campsite and to my relief there were plenty of spots available. I enquired with another caravan about water but was informed there is none at this campsite. She kindly offered some water so I could wash my sweaty bits and ask me to join them for dinner and wine. I happily excepted and we spent the evening chatting about our different travels. They also told me that they are both cancer suffers and one of them was given only 5 months to live. That was 5 years ago! They both had some incredible and inspiring stories about there illnesses.

At 9pm I retired to my tent in lots of pain. I dread to think how I will be feeling in the morning. I cant wait to get over these hills. Bring on the flats!

I have been meaning to tell you about this funny scenario with the cashier at the general store. When Ann, the elderly lady who saved me, first picked me up we popped into her local store for some groceries. You have to imagine this store was in the middle of nowhere and has very few foreigners pass through. As we were at the checkout, Ann told the cashier that she had just picked up this English cyclist on the side of the road. The cashier looked at me and the first thing she said was “…errr isnt that where that famous murderer was from…..whats his name again…I cant remember”. I was trying so hard not to laugh in her face but maintained my poker face. As she was scanning the products she shouted with great satisfaction “…jack the ripper”. I couldn’t hold it in any longer and roared with laughter. I found it hysterical that the first thing that came into her head when she thought of England was jack the ripper and that it took about 5 mins to recall it. I love these country folk!!