TWO THUMBS UP FOR WILLIE

When we were planning this bike tour initially it was to be self supported as we have done in the past.  This means we would have carried all of our gear on the bikes. Taking the car just didn't seem like a legitimate tour. (to me :-)
 As we got in to studying the route and the schedule we decided that it would be best to have a support vehicle.  This would make the riding easier and the route safer to manage.  Hwy 50 is famous for being remote with services  and water extensive distances apart.  And as it turned out we were riding in extreme temperatures higher than normal for the areas.

Thought I would list pros and cons of Willie:

CONS:
1.  Too easy to jump in and let Willie do the "peddling" (didn't happen)
2.  Maybe take too much gear?
3.  Gas costs (but if one didn't use the car would have to transport (fly/ship) bicycles and selves to    destination and back and that expense would probably be more.)
4.  Not being able to ride and chat with each other along the way. (riding tandem is actually the best for this!)  I missed this part especially but had plenty of time for conversations with self.

PROS:
1. Could jump in and ride if necessary and it turned out to be needed a couple of times. (elevation, heat, etc)
2.  Could take the "NEED TO HAVE" items (and some "nuts to have") w/o worrying about weight on the bike.
3.  Had no water worries in the parched areas.
4.  Had the radio, music and news along the way for the sag driver.
5.  Carried a better supply of food than if on our bikes.  In the past bought food every night for dinner and breakfast but that wasn't an option on this route because of lack of facilities.
6.  Gave us the option of going "off route" to be tourists and to visit friends.  When on the bike  extra miles to see a tourist spot or visit friends can mean extra hours and energy which is very often voted down!
7.  Able to pick the perfect campground...or even find one that is available when others are full!
8.  Able to go to church especially in remote areas which could have been a problem on this ride.
9. Had the hood of the car to prop the camera tripod for timed pics.
10.  Really  encouraging to see Willie parked up a head when riding in from a rough  stretch.
11.  Made "selective riding" an option.
12.  etc.  etc.  etc.

WILLIE WINS!