Velo Dog

Actually from the left shoulder of the Great Basin, near Reno, Nev. (motto: More than slot machines, but less than an educational system). I'm a veteran rider (30+ years on the road, close to 20 as an occasional mountain biker), but took most of a year off because of some family and work issues. Gained 20 pounds, lost most of my fitness, and I'm struggling back. Kids are in college now, so I have no money but plenty of time, and I'm going to spend 20-30 hours a week of it on the bike until the snow flies.
As a longtime rider, I get to give a piece of advice to newbies: GET RID OF THOSE BLACK CLOTHES. It's a wonder you guys don't get run down by the hundreds.

iceratt

I'm sure it's beautiful where you live. Don't give too much thought to those riders dressed in black, they aren't storm troopers, they wear that stuff because it's more comfortable. So they say. I, personally, dress in regular shorts and a t-shirt, if it's not below freezing. But hey, we Minnasotans are a simple peolple, and only the artsy folk go goth.

cyclezealot

Velodog..Congatulations..That outback is a great place to reflect. I did US 50..Lonliest road in America. The climbs out of the valleys can get the heart to racing.
Visited with the good people of Eureka, Austin, Fallon. Remember them always..They live the life we all should..Know your neighbors. Work together. Out there alone in the wilderness, there is a sense of community..
What I liked about US 50..Even if you wear black. Cars are so infrequent, you have a chance to dodge them..Just watch out for the rumble strips...
You stop in the bar at Middlegate, wish it possible to have a drink of your choice on me..Great tour...Great place to reflect and get into shape. So much of it is etched in my memory. Great tour..Just don't do it in August.