Having missed a few of your entries I’m catching up and seeing how far you’ve got is amazing and the day off was well deserved.

No, I was on my own at that point Steve

And at least one more OF as you cycled through!

Oh I'd missed this one. Maybe our farmers could learn a thing or two about water conservation on their land during the wet spells which I assume the Americans are doing.
Remember, no grapes. They're food for the toothless to suck on before spitting any pips out.

Peter, I do enjoy your daily reports and wonder at which point you tell us your vision has been obscured by the smoke clouds drifting south from Canada, they're really burning up there.
Keep it up and leave out the grapes, they turn my stomach.

Interesting read that blog - enjoyed it.

A long day, yes. Well done you and the rest of the group.

Thanks Hugh. New bike is very smooth. Maybe not quite as fast at top end, but that’s not a problem.
Not much energy in grapes. At least they’re moist, which helps to get them down, and they’re fresh, which stimulates saliva for something stodgier.

I recall reading how those riders on the Transcontinental Race eat whatever comes their way, Mars Bars seem universal. I’ve never been a grapes man but you seem to have an endless supply of the buggers.
How’s the new bike doing?

Keep it up, clearly the heat is have an adverse effect on your ride but you’ll manage.

Another good report of the days ride, clearly as you say a gruelling one.

Looking at those pictures of endless lumps and bumps, it looks gruelling.
Similar to ‘The Smuggler’ not really !
Hopefully the enjoyment is still outweighing the pain . Glad to hear you are over the sickness bug as well.

Well done you - that is some achievement.

I ditto that Peter! He is well loved-how else does he get to post on this site and the other site?

Another great account of the days "ups and downs" meaning more than the undulating road which your photos show as being just that.
Don't mention Biden in Trump land, you might have a few punctures to deal with.