138 miles, 3700 feet of climbing. Temperature was 90 degrees, clear skies and a slight wind out of the West. Road for 7 hours and averaged approximately 16.5 mph.
Had a good day. Leaving Palm Springs was quite an experience. It is a very affluent resort town. Every road seemed to have a golf course, resort, country club, etc.. The landscaping was incredible in that everything is green and the town sits in the middle of a desert. Leaving Palm Springs we entered into an agricultural area with a gazillion acres of tomatoes, green peppers, corn, etc.. An aquaduct provides water to this area. As we left this area we began to climb up and through Box Canyon. It was a fairly gradual climb of 10 miles thru a very barren and brown landscape and rocks and boulders. As we exited the canyon we got onto Highway 10 and road on it for 70 miles into Blythe. Having never ridden on an interstate, this proved to be quite an experience. There was a wide shoulder but at times is was as bumpy as a wash board and littered with blown out tires from semis. That along with the fact that you have semi trucks roaring by you at 70 mph made for a long ride.
Today I was able to ride with or stay in contact with other riders the entire day. Yesterday I found myself riding solo for far too long as I kept getting left behind at the SAG/snack stops. Those of you, who know me, know that when it comes to food I hate to rush. I like to sample all of the cuisine and sip the Gator Aid (no matter what vintage) it is. Well yesterday at the first stop I did just that and then decided to go use the facilities. When I returned everyone had left so I struck out on my own, took a few wrong turns, got lost, etc.. It made for a very long day. Today I made some adjustments i.e. I inhaled whatever food was nearest and guzzled Gator Aid, so that I would be ready when my fellow riders were. It worked out well. As for using the facilities, there are lots of guys my age, so all I have to say is, “Hey does anybody need to stop to……? And I always have a partner or two to stop with.
Flat tires are a big problem on this ride. Due to all of the debris, thorns, etc.. on the road. So far I have had two flats, one yesterday and one today. Fortunately today,s happened just as I was turning into the motel.
Sorry I do not have any pics from today. I had planned to take lots of pics but have learned that if I stop I get dropped. Our ride leader has a "Riders Blog" that he is keeping and said that he will be posting pics there as well. Check it out at: http://bamacyclist.com/BAMA/Fast/Fast.html
Glad you have learned to eat fast so you can stay up with the group. We have learned to eat leftovers since you are no longer our chef. Unfortunately the fridge is now bare so we are going to have to further adjust our eating habits.
ReplyDeleteLeisa & Jack