Bad shoulder!

The quality of the road's shoulder continues to be really bad here. This photo partly does justice to it. The light areas between the patches is really rough to ride on - it is essentially rounded stones held together at the base by tar. I guess it is similar to riding on aligators, but without the danger of having your leg bitten off. Riding on that stuff all day definitely takes a toll - my arms and back were giving out by the end of the day, before the legs. Another unexpected!

Funny thing about riding into such a strong wind is that when you come to a hill, you get a little break from the wind, making it easier to peddle. I usually do not have to switch gears for the hills!