I was up at 5.30 to set out breakfast stuff for the early risers and after our crew had to cook pancakes , which turned out to be a bit of an adventure in it self to start , but after a bit tinkering we managed to produce edible pancakes that were liked by all. 

After all the cleaning and putting away we left camp last just after 8. This time I was not on sweep duty so I went off to try and catch some of the riders ahead. Well, that proved to be a challenge because much to my surprise this part of the prairies is no flat !!! and there was a good bit of hill climbing to be done and add to that a crosswind from the south. 

So the first 50 km I was mainly on my own, after a sweet downhill near the town of Delia   I finally caught up with the group in town at the local restaurant. Every one had piled into this little restaurant almost overwhelming the owner , but he kept up with us and feed us very well !!! and we also got our bottles toped up something very important out here were services along the roads is scarce. I also spotted the first grain elevator of the trip here. 

After a bowl of soap and a toasted salmon sandwich I left with a group and the prairies flattened out but the crosswind picked up something nasty and the road just went on forever and ever. I kept a good pace but as the group splintered and started to fall back I foolishly pushed on a bit harder then I should, the last few km I did with Trevor who had caught up to me, he’s an excellent rider and I should have let him ride on but I stayed with him to the end and now I’m tiered !!!

In Youngstown there is a tradition going back many years that a pot-luck dinner is held on the day we arrive we also contribute and everyone gathers at the Community Hall to eat , well what a spread , a regular feast !!!, and the sight of 40 hungry tiered riders devouring it was amazing !!!, we had a great time with the town folk , and I think I’ll never forget this meal, my eternal gratitude goes to them !! We had yet another birthday among us “ Andy “and he gave a very nice speech thanking the towns people.

Most of the riders have opted to sleep in the community center ( me I set my tent up to dry it and some damp cloths I have ) Another quirk of the Youngstown stay over is that a mobile bicycle repair man is here and most of us took our bikes to him for a going over , me I had him replace my chain that had stretched a bit. 

Now after watching a bit of the Tour de France I am catching up with the Blog before it gets dark , I’ll sleep very well tonight ( I better we have another big day tomorrow )

Total ridden today: 147.7 - average 22.0 - ridding time 6.41