Brawley, Ca to Quartzsite, Ca
111 Miles
3500 ft of climbing
The day began hopefully with the news forcasting temperatures in the low to mid 90's.
I've driven through Needles and always thought the only place worse to get stuck outside without air conditioning would be Blythe.
Both are border towns on the Arizona-California state line. Both are notoriously oppressively hot. Blythe was about 95 miles into the ride yesterday and I have to admit the thought of riding through there had me a bit nervous.
We started after having a breakfast of cerial, bananas, and coffee. All in the greatest posssible quantities. Chris has come to realize that our success depends largely on fueling. Our approximate burn rate is six thousand calories daily on average.
The ride started with us heading East out of Imperial Valley. I can't tell you how large it is but in the middle of South Central California is an area of hundreds of square miles of irrigated farmland. It makes for an unusual combination of desert heat and Mid Weatern humidity.
We rolled into Glamis feeling pretty good and ate and drank ourselves full before turning North. As we started North we were gifted the most amazing riding conditions possible. It has happened to me before, but not for nearly as long. Any cylist can appreciate a tail wind but few ever get a 30 MPH wind directly at their backs for almost forty miles.
We rode our seventy pound bikes at 30 MPH for at least forty minutes.
What fun!
When we got to Blythe I was starving for fuel. At the end of town we rode up to a Foster's Freeze and both had quadruple burgers and fries. I had two litres of iced tea and lemonade which made for a restless sleep. Either that or Interstate 10 being 100 feet from our window had me tossing and turning all night.
After Blythe we crossed the Colorado River. It was evident that very few pedestrians cross the bridge. It was our first significant milestone and we high fived, took pictures (which I will post when I get somewhere with a full size computer with internet access) and suffered a flat tire.
Our second big challenge was successfully completed. With happy knees and good attitudes many of my initial concerns have passed.
Chris is an animal and never complains. His strength on the bike is a happy surprise.
Tonight we aim for Wickenburg.
More to come.
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4 comments:
Thanks for keeping us up to date its great reading.
Stay Stong,
Michael
I know your path well having driven between AZ and CA so many times. I can't believe the rate you are going! I read everyday and am just amazed and amazed. Good luck!
Love hearing about your experiences-keep up with the blog as best you can, we are sending positive thoughts your way!!
Larry and Emily
Guess those shorter legs are good for something there animal. Sounds like you guys are really having fun, can't wait for the latest up-date.
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