Wow! We finally did the ride from hell. Thank goodness that is behind us! Century 18 for me.
We had our first state crossing and did the ceremonial sprinkling of Pacific Ocean sand at base of the welcome sign to appease the wind gods. It didn't work today.
This was 115 miles through really desolate Mojave Desert. Temps topped out at 98 deg(104 on the road) and we sun was intense. Most of the day we had to fight a 20 mph crossing head wind and climb about 3000'. Several times we formed a pace line, only to find it fall apart after half an hour and I was riding alone. It seemed like I spent much of the day looking down at the speedometer, when I was maxed out, only to see I was only going 13.5 mph. I kept grinding away and the miles added up. I also kept hydrated by drinking every ten minutes, and taking a break after an hour. I was the eighth person to arrive in Wickenburg...half of the group had to be SAGed in, including my roommate, Terry. All were fit, but had trouble with the heat and wind.
One unusual aspect was part of the road outside Wickenburg was oiled today. A couple of people tested it and got their bikes gummed up with tar, before turning back. The tour director decided to shuttle us over the fresh tar and let us pick up the ride on the dry side. A hand full of riders decided this would violate the claim that they ride every inch of the route and pressed through it. They spent several hours cleaning tar off their bikes... and themselves. Yuck. I took the shuttle and have no regrets.
Tomorrow we climb 7800' on our way to Prescott.
This was 115 miles through really desolate Mojave Desert. Temps topped out at 98 deg(104 on the road) and we sun was intense. Most of the day we had to fight a 20 mph crossing head wind and climb about 3000'. Several times we formed a pace line, only to find it fall apart after half an hour and I was riding alone. It seemed like I spent much of the day looking down at the speedometer, when I was maxed out, only to see I was only going 13.5 mph. I kept grinding away and the miles added up. I also kept hydrated by drinking every ten minutes, and taking a break after an hour. I was the eighth person to arrive in Wickenburg...half of the group had to be SAGed in, including my roommate, Terry. All were fit, but had trouble with the heat and wind.
One unusual aspect was part of the road outside Wickenburg was oiled today. A couple of people tested it and got their bikes gummed up with tar, before turning back. The tour director decided to shuttle us over the fresh tar and let us pick up the ride on the dry side. A hand full of riders decided this would violate the claim that they ride every inch of the route and pressed through it. They spent several hours cleaning tar off their bikes... and themselves. Yuck. I took the shuttle and have no regrets.
Tomorrow we climb 7800' on our way to Prescott.
Stats: 115 miles(102 actual), 15.8 mph, 70-98 deg, 20 mph crossing head wind, 3000' climbing.
2 comments:
I am in awe !! ! I knew you were a tough dude, turns out you really are .....
Jill
YOU ARE AMAZING!!!
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