Temperature: 101
Wind: Mostly calm some slight headwind for a time
Rest Stop 1: Peridot, AZ Noline's Country Store 20 miles
Rest Stop 2: Geronimo, AZ side of the road 53 miles
Rest Stop 3: Pima, AZ Taylor Freeze 71 miles
Lodging: Safford, AZ Sunrise Village RV park
Showers: Yes
Laundry: Yes
AC: Yes
I left Globe with my usual riding partners, Ed and Dave, just before 6AM. We missed our turn to get back on route from the campground but got directions from a lady walking her dog. In less than a mile we were on route and a mile later at McDonalds for breakfast.
I like McDonalds for breakfast because I can fill the water bottles with ice and have cold water for the first couple hours ride. Breakfast took about 20 minutes. McDonalds wanted us to use the new kiosks for ordering and none of us really wanted to. They finally gave in and took our orders.
After breakfast the ride started off with a modest uphill, then some rolling hills before turning into a very gentle downhill for several miles. Easy riding made very pleasant by a temperature of 69 degrees when we left camp.
For the rolling hills you go as fast as you can so the inertia carries you up the next hill as far as possible. 30 mph is about my comfort limit and I was a little over that on some down hills. It really makes the hills easier if can slingshot your way over them. Traffic was heavy near globe but quickly thinned out.
At about the 17 mile point there was road construction and 1 way traffic. We were held up about 10 minutes before it was our turn to go. By that time we had about 10 cyclist queued up. They let the cars go first and then us cyclists. Another 6 miles and were in Peridot for the rest stop. Peridot in on the San Carlos Apache Indian reservation. Unfortunately there was lots of trash and broken bottles on the side of road on the reservation and also at the convenience store we stopped at.
Leaving rest stop 1 we encountered more and bigger rolling hills. Still easy to handle. Before the next rest stop Dave and I stopped and a gas station in Bylas, AZ. As soon as we stopped there were a couple of people lurking around so we took turns going into the store so one of us was always with the bikes.
The second rest stop was at the side of the road in Geronimo. We rejoined Ed here.
Shortly after leaving the second rest stop we left the Indian Reservation entered the Gila valley. The terrain changed from arid to irrigated farming. You can see that the Indian were given the poorest land. This part of the ride was mostly flat with just a very slight increase in elevation.
Rest Stop 3 was at a Taylor Freeze (like Dairy Queen). I had a taco and lime slush. Both were just OK. Most of the group gathered at the Taylor Freeze and we had a group photo.
The last 11 miles to camp were hot, hot, hot. Safford has a population of 9,500 and we are on the east side in an RV park. We could sleep inside the Recreation building or outside. Quite a few people are sleeping outside but the AC was the deciding factor for me. Shower, laundry and a bike ride to town are on my agenda before bedtime. Of the 11 days on this trip I have been in bed before 8PM every day except 1 and that was the rest day. Tonight will be no different.
Tuesday, September 18, 2018
Monday, September 17, 2018
Day 10 Tonto Basin, AZ to Globe, AZ
Temperature: 101
Wind: light
Rest Stop 1: Roosevelt, AZ gas station 27 miles
Rest Stop 2: Side of the road 37 miles
Lodging: Globe Community Center (camping in a ball field) 52 miles
We attempted a 6AM start but Dave had a flat so we were out at 6:15. 2 miles down the road we had breakfast so the real start time was 7 AM.
It was a quick and easy ride for the first 27 miles. The are still tired from yesterday so the easy ride was appreciated. After crackers and Gatorade to refuel we were off. The climb started right out of the rest stop and lasted for the entire 10 miles to Rest Stop 1. Bu the time we got to the top I was out of water and out of energy
Rest Stop 2 was just a water stop. No chairs or food. We filled our bottles and were off. The next 10 miles were fast and relatively easy. We stopped at a restaurant to regroup and then decided to eat there.
The last 4 miles to globe was on a very busy highway. Not good ride at all. We are camping at a baseball field tonight. There is very little shade so a big group stopped at a bar in town. I had 1 beer over my usual limit (usual limit is 0 beers)
So we are basically camping on a little league ball field. It is all grass and there are some picnic pavilions. Everything is good. Time to rest up for another 80 mile day tomorrow.
Wind: light
Rest Stop 1: Roosevelt, AZ gas station 27 miles
Rest Stop 2: Side of the road 37 miles
Lodging: Globe Community Center (camping in a ball field) 52 miles
We attempted a 6AM start but Dave had a flat so we were out at 6:15. 2 miles down the road we had breakfast so the real start time was 7 AM.
It was a quick and easy ride for the first 27 miles. The are still tired from yesterday so the easy ride was appreciated. After crackers and Gatorade to refuel we were off. The climb started right out of the rest stop and lasted for the entire 10 miles to Rest Stop 1. Bu the time we got to the top I was out of water and out of energy
Rest Stop 2 was just a water stop. No chairs or food. We filled our bottles and were off. The next 10 miles were fast and relatively easy. We stopped at a restaurant to regroup and then decided to eat there.
The last 4 miles to globe was on a very busy highway. Not good ride at all. We are camping at a baseball field tonight. There is very little shade so a big group stopped at a bar in town. I had 1 beer over my usual limit (usual limit is 0 beers)
So we are basically camping on a little league ball field. It is all grass and there are some picnic pavilions. Everything is good. Time to rest up for another 80 mile day tomorrow.
Day 9 Tempe, AZ to Tonto Basin, AZ
Temperature: 101
Wind: light
Rest Stop 1: Usery Pass 24 miles
Rest Stop 2: Side of the road 44 miles
Rest Stop 3: Side of the road 61 miles
Rest Stop 4: Side of the road 77 miles
Lodging: Tonto Bible Church 91 miles
Another 6AM start to try to beat the heat as much as possible. We strayed off route to McDonalds for a quick breakfast. The first 15 miles was urban riding but traffic was very light since it was Sunday. There were lots of bicyclists on the road for the first 20 miles. The road to rest stop 1 was easy cycling. It was generally uphill but at a very gentle slope.
The easy cycling changed in a hurry. We had 2 difficult climbs. The first was over 8 miles of steep uphill climbing. That was followed by a quick downhill and then right back to the climbing. You climb for 2 hours or more and then the descent is over in 15 minutes. I had to walk several times during the climbs.
There was a little store at rest stop 4 and I had a hot dog and Gatorade which energized me. Our climbing was finished at that point so the final 14 miles was much easier. We stopped at a IGA grocery about a mile from camp and I got some fruit and a diet coke.
My riding buddies went to dinner but I just wanted a shower and bed. So grapes and a diet coke were my dinner.
Wind: light
Rest Stop 1: Usery Pass 24 miles
Rest Stop 2: Side of the road 44 miles
Rest Stop 3: Side of the road 61 miles
Rest Stop 4: Side of the road 77 miles
Lodging: Tonto Bible Church 91 miles
Another 6AM start to try to beat the heat as much as possible. We strayed off route to McDonalds for a quick breakfast. The first 15 miles was urban riding but traffic was very light since it was Sunday. There were lots of bicyclists on the road for the first 20 miles. The road to rest stop 1 was easy cycling. It was generally uphill but at a very gentle slope.
The easy cycling changed in a hurry. We had 2 difficult climbs. The first was over 8 miles of steep uphill climbing. That was followed by a quick downhill and then right back to the climbing. You climb for 2 hours or more and then the descent is over in 15 minutes. I had to walk several times during the climbs.
There was a little store at rest stop 4 and I had a hot dog and Gatorade which energized me. Our climbing was finished at that point so the final 14 miles was much easier. We stopped at a IGA grocery about a mile from camp and I got some fruit and a diet coke.
My riding buddies went to dinner but I just wanted a shower and bed. So grapes and a diet coke were my dinner.
Day 8 Tempe, AZ
Rest day
It was 110 in Tempe today so everything revolved around staying cool. I did laundry early and went out to eat late. Other than that I stayed indoors as much as possible.
It was 110 in Tempe today so everything revolved around staying cool. I did laundry early and went out to eat late. Other than that I stayed indoors as much as possible.
Saturday, September 15, 2018
Dayt 7 Wickenburg, AZ to Tempe, AZ
Temperature: 106
Wind: light tail wind
Rest Stop 1: Wittman, AZ Shell station mile 22
Rest Stop 2: Surprise, AZ gas station mile 37
Rest Stop 3: Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, Phoenix Mile 58
Lodging: Calvary Fellowship Temple Mile 73
Wind: light tail wind
Rest Stop 1: Wittman, AZ Shell station mile 22
Rest Stop 2: Surprise, AZ gas station mile 37
Rest Stop 3: Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, Phoenix Mile 58
Lodging: Calvary Fellowship Temple Mile 73
Thursday, September 13, 2018
Day 6 Sanome, AZ to Wickenburg, AZ
Total miles: 58
High Temp: 98
Rest Stop 1: Side of road at 15 miles
Rest Stop 2: Aguila at gas station at 31 miles
Rest Stop 3: Side of Road at 45 miles
Lodging: Seventh Day Adventist Church
My group of 3 left the KOA at 6AM thinking we would get breakfast at mile 4 (According to the KOA proprietor). No such luck so we stopped at Wendon a pastry. I got water and ice out of the soda machine which turned out to be nasty, nasty, nasty.
Rest stop 1 & 3 were at the side of the road with nothing to report. Rest stop 2 was at a gas station that had a nice tree and shade from the building. I had a V8 and Gatorade.
The first 30 miles was relatively cool but it was once again in the nineties when we left rest stop 2. There was a very gradual up slope from rest stop 1 to 3. After rest stop 3 we had our biggest climb of the day but it still was moderate and short. At the top of the climb it was mostly downhill all the way into Wickenburg.
I got separated from my mates at a red light and never caught up with them. I was surprised when I got to the church before them. It turns out they made a wrong turn and made an extra tour of Wickenburg.
Denny's was right down the street and we went there for lunch and dinner. I had the Grand Slam breakfast and spaghetti.
The biggest note for the day is the amount of flat tires. I didn't get any but there was probably a dozen flats altogether.
It turns out this was probably our easiest ride of the 5 days. It was still a challenge but easier than the other 4 days. One 1 riding day before we get a rest day. I am ready.
High Temp: 98
Rest Stop 1: Side of road at 15 miles
Rest Stop 2: Aguila at gas station at 31 miles
Rest Stop 3: Side of Road at 45 miles
Lodging: Seventh Day Adventist Church
My group of 3 left the KOA at 6AM thinking we would get breakfast at mile 4 (According to the KOA proprietor). No such luck so we stopped at Wendon a pastry. I got water and ice out of the soda machine which turned out to be nasty, nasty, nasty.
Rest stop 1 & 3 were at the side of the road with nothing to report. Rest stop 2 was at a gas station that had a nice tree and shade from the building. I had a V8 and Gatorade.
The first 30 miles was relatively cool but it was once again in the nineties when we left rest stop 2. There was a very gradual up slope from rest stop 1 to 3. After rest stop 3 we had our biggest climb of the day but it still was moderate and short. At the top of the climb it was mostly downhill all the way into Wickenburg.
I got separated from my mates at a red light and never caught up with them. I was surprised when I got to the church before them. It turns out they made a wrong turn and made an extra tour of Wickenburg.
Denny's was right down the street and we went there for lunch and dinner. I had the Grand Slam breakfast and spaghetti.
The biggest note for the day is the amount of flat tires. I didn't get any but there was probably a dozen flats altogether.
It turns out this was probably our easiest ride of the 5 days. It was still a challenge but easier than the other 4 days. One 1 riding day before we get a rest day. I am ready.
Wednesday, September 12, 2018
Day 5 Blythe, CA to Sanome, AZ
High Temp: 101
Winds: None to light tail wind 24 miles
Rest Stop 1: Quartzite, AZ 40 miles
Rest Stop 2: Country Store near Brenda, AZ 60 miles
It was another early start due to the heat. My group left camp at 6AM and stopped for breakfast at a little family joint. Food was good and we were on our way.
First up was crossing the Colorado river into Arizona. It was still cool which made the biking good. A good part of the morning was on I-10. Shoulders were wide and traffic was light compared to Interstates I am used to.
We had 3 moderate climbs today. It was still cool for the first climb and the slope was moderate so no trouble. With most climbs the reward is a descent and this was no different. Near Quartzite, AZ we saw our first Saguaro cactus. Actually there were dozens of them near Saguaro. Of course we had to had a photo op for the first one.
After the rest stop at Mcdonalds we were off on the second leg. It started off with another climb. Again it was moderate but the temperature was now in the high 90's so much more difficult. Many of us were out of water before getting to the second rest stop.
After the 2nd rest stop we were on the home stretch for the day. It started off fast with a long but gentle descent of 9 miles. I was thinking this was going to be much easier than yesterday. Then the last climb happened It was still a moderate climb if there is such a thing when the temperature is 101. We stopped a couple of times in the shade to cool down a bit. Also tried stopping in Hope, AZ but the only business had closed. It was a long 4 miles to our KOA.
The good news is that KOA has many modern facility including showers, laundry, and air conditioned activity room. The bad news is that there is absolutely no shade anywhere.
I went into Salome with my 2 riding mates for dinner and Don's Cactus Bar. The fried chicken dinner was good but not great.
Winds: None to light tail wind 24 miles
Rest Stop 1: Quartzite, AZ 40 miles
Rest Stop 2: Country Store near Brenda, AZ 60 miles
It was another early start due to the heat. My group left camp at 6AM and stopped for breakfast at a little family joint. Food was good and we were on our way.
First up was crossing the Colorado river into Arizona. It was still cool which made the biking good. A good part of the morning was on I-10. Shoulders were wide and traffic was light compared to Interstates I am used to.
We had 3 moderate climbs today. It was still cool for the first climb and the slope was moderate so no trouble. With most climbs the reward is a descent and this was no different. Near Quartzite, AZ we saw our first Saguaro cactus. Actually there were dozens of them near Saguaro. Of course we had to had a photo op for the first one.
After the rest stop at Mcdonalds we were off on the second leg. It started off with another climb. Again it was moderate but the temperature was now in the high 90's so much more difficult. Many of us were out of water before getting to the second rest stop.
After the 2nd rest stop we were on the home stretch for the day. It started off fast with a long but gentle descent of 9 miles. I was thinking this was going to be much easier than yesterday. Then the last climb happened It was still a moderate climb if there is such a thing when the temperature is 101. We stopped a couple of times in the shade to cool down a bit. Also tried stopping in Hope, AZ but the only business had closed. It was a long 4 miles to our KOA.
The good news is that KOA has many modern facility including showers, laundry, and air conditioned activity room. The bad news is that there is absolutely no shade anywhere.
I went into Salome with my 2 riding mates for dinner and Don's Cactus Bar. The fried chicken dinner was good but not great.
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| Out like a light in a church in Blyth, CA |
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| Saguaro just west of Quartzite, AZ |
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| Saguaro near Brenda, AZ |
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| We conquered California and crossed into Arizona |
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| Most of our riding is on near deserted roads. |
Tuesday, September 11, 2018
Day 4 Brawley to Blythe,CA
Distance: 90 miles
High temp: 108 but it was only 106 when I arrived in camp
Wind: little to slight tail wind
R1: Coachella Canal 22 miles
R2: 42 mile point at a wide spot in the road
R3: 68 miles at another wide spot in the road
R4: Ripley 83 miles
Let me tell you right off. Cycling when the temperature is 106 degrees is a real bitch. It doesn't make any difference how much you drink the heat will take it out of you. That being said you get a real sense of accomplishment at the end of the day.
We left Brawley at first light after breakfast at Del Taco. It was one turn and we were on our route for the rest of the day. Navigation was easy. It was cool to start out so cycling was smooth and easy. The first 10 miles was irrigated farmland. It was really nice passing by farmland that was being irrigated because the temperature dropped several degrees. The last few miles before the first rest stop was sand dunes.
The road to the second rest stop was more difficult. Temperatures were starting to rise as was the elevation. The scenery was dunes that gave way to rocks. There was one area that was fences off that had huge swales. It turned out it was a gold mine. Just before rest stop 2 we had several miles of hills. I call them P.U.D.S. Pointless ups and downs. I was definitely ready for the rest stop.
The next part of the ride was a very pleasant surprise. There was more of the P.U.D.S. but the general direction was descending. We were able to conserve energy and still ride very fast. We did have to go through a border check. but they waved us right through.
At rest stop 3 a Bike the US for MS alumni surprised us with pineapple, frozen water, cold pickles and chips. The cold pineapple and pickles were great.
It was over The100 when we got to rest stop 4 and everyone was beat. The ride leaders had frozen treats for us which were nice but I was still beat.
About 2 miles after rest stop 4 we stopped at a convenience store where I had a chocolate mile. A nice energy boost but I gas everyone out after drinking milk.
The last 15 miles were very hard. 106 degrees, no breeze and no shade. Lots of farmers out preparing fields for planting. It was even too hot for plants. But we made it and after a Gatorade and a hose shower everything is good. The tiny church we are staying at are fixing us burritos and rice.
High temp: 108 but it was only 106 when I arrived in camp
Wind: little to slight tail wind
R1: Coachella Canal 22 miles
R2: 42 mile point at a wide spot in the road
R3: 68 miles at another wide spot in the road
R4: Ripley 83 miles
Let me tell you right off. Cycling when the temperature is 106 degrees is a real bitch. It doesn't make any difference how much you drink the heat will take it out of you. That being said you get a real sense of accomplishment at the end of the day.
We left Brawley at first light after breakfast at Del Taco. It was one turn and we were on our route for the rest of the day. Navigation was easy. It was cool to start out so cycling was smooth and easy. The first 10 miles was irrigated farmland. It was really nice passing by farmland that was being irrigated because the temperature dropped several degrees. The last few miles before the first rest stop was sand dunes.
The road to the second rest stop was more difficult. Temperatures were starting to rise as was the elevation. The scenery was dunes that gave way to rocks. There was one area that was fences off that had huge swales. It turned out it was a gold mine. Just before rest stop 2 we had several miles of hills. I call them P.U.D.S. Pointless ups and downs. I was definitely ready for the rest stop.
The next part of the ride was a very pleasant surprise. There was more of the P.U.D.S. but the general direction was descending. We were able to conserve energy and still ride very fast. We did have to go through a border check. but they waved us right through.
At rest stop 3 a Bike the US for MS alumni surprised us with pineapple, frozen water, cold pickles and chips. The cold pineapple and pickles were great.
It was over The100 when we got to rest stop 4 and everyone was beat. The ride leaders had frozen treats for us which were nice but I was still beat.
About 2 miles after rest stop 4 we stopped at a convenience store where I had a chocolate mile. A nice energy boost but I gas everyone out after drinking milk.
The last 15 miles were very hard. 106 degrees, no breeze and no shade. Lots of farmers out preparing fields for planting. It was even too hot for plants. But we made it and after a Gatorade and a hose shower everything is good. The tiny church we are staying at are fixing us burritos and rice.
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| Rest Stop 1 in the dunes |
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| Sand Dune Park |
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| More Dunes |
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| Dinner. Good |
Monday, September 10, 2018
Day 3 Jacumba, CA to Brawley, CA 56 miles
High Temp: 109
Wind: Mostly light to very strong on the pass
Leave Jacumba: 6:20
Arrive Brawley: 12:50
Rest stop 1: Ocotillo at 17 miles
Rest stop 2: El Centro at 43 miles
Lodging: Gateway Church in Brawley, CA
It was an early start from Jacuma because of the forecast high temperatures. Jacumba is near 3000 feet elevation and as a result it cooled down nicely during the night. Some riders wore jackets to start ride.
Before starting out I had a breakfast of bagel, Vienna sausage and dates. After airing the tires and cleaning the chain we were off.
The ride started with an easy 1000 foot climb. I say easy because it was not as steep as day 1 and day 2 climbs. We also had to enter Interstate 8 near the end of the climb.
The reward for the last 2 days of hard climbing in the brutal sun was a 8 mile descent into Ocotillo. Too bad it was over so quickly but it was a lot of fun even for chickens like me who brake most of the way down. I hit a bump right at the top and almost immediately my bike started to vibrate. I thought whatever I hit had caused the front wheel to go out of true. It turned out it was the strong side wind we had for most of the descent. I was really happy that the vibration went away when the wind was shielded. The road was good for the entire descent except for a couple of rough patches near the bottom. The guy in front of me yelled a warning and I braked had and was able to slow down. However it did give me and the rest of the group a good scare.
Rest stop 1 was at a gas station and an exit from the interstate. As a matter of fact the gas station was all there was to Ocotillo. We only took a short break and headed out to beat the heat. The road fro Ocotillo to El Centro was the worst road I have ever ridden on. It was more suited to 4 wheelers than bicycles but that's what we had and made do. The good thing was that it was flat as a pancate from Ocotillo on east.
Our rest stop at El Centro was at an event hall. The owner opened it up for us and provided ice water and a cool place to regroup.
Four of us left the rest stop and went to a bicycle shop in El Centro to get one of the bicycles repaired. It was well into the 90's by this time but it was only 8-9 miles so no big deal. After
dropping off his bicycle we went to a deli for lunch.
The ride from the deli to the church we are staying at was not so pleasant. It was 101 by the time we reached to church. I was happy to get here. The church has showers, w-ifi, laundry and a swimming pool. Real nice place and we all appreciate their support.
Dinner was at Del Taco after a team meeting to discuss tomorrow's ride. It will be our longest ride yet at 94 miles and the heat will once again be a factor.
So far the scenery has been miles and miles of rock, sage brush and not much else. Looking forward to a change.
I take that back. El Centro is in the Imperial valley which has a lot of agriculture. Not much growing right now because of the heat but some fields were being prepared for the fall crops. We passed a section that had gigantic hay sheds. There were a half dozen rows of the sheds and then there were huge tents filled with hay. 5 or 6 tents deep that went on for over a mile.
Wind: Mostly light to very strong on the pass
Leave Jacumba: 6:20
Arrive Brawley: 12:50
Rest stop 1: Ocotillo at 17 miles
Rest stop 2: El Centro at 43 miles
Lodging: Gateway Church in Brawley, CA
It was an early start from Jacuma because of the forecast high temperatures. Jacumba is near 3000 feet elevation and as a result it cooled down nicely during the night. Some riders wore jackets to start ride.
Before starting out I had a breakfast of bagel, Vienna sausage and dates. After airing the tires and cleaning the chain we were off.
The ride started with an easy 1000 foot climb. I say easy because it was not as steep as day 1 and day 2 climbs. We also had to enter Interstate 8 near the end of the climb.
The reward for the last 2 days of hard climbing in the brutal sun was a 8 mile descent into Ocotillo. Too bad it was over so quickly but it was a lot of fun even for chickens like me who brake most of the way down. I hit a bump right at the top and almost immediately my bike started to vibrate. I thought whatever I hit had caused the front wheel to go out of true. It turned out it was the strong side wind we had for most of the descent. I was really happy that the vibration went away when the wind was shielded. The road was good for the entire descent except for a couple of rough patches near the bottom. The guy in front of me yelled a warning and I braked had and was able to slow down. However it did give me and the rest of the group a good scare.
Rest stop 1 was at a gas station and an exit from the interstate. As a matter of fact the gas station was all there was to Ocotillo. We only took a short break and headed out to beat the heat. The road fro Ocotillo to El Centro was the worst road I have ever ridden on. It was more suited to 4 wheelers than bicycles but that's what we had and made do. The good thing was that it was flat as a pancate from Ocotillo on east.
Our rest stop at El Centro was at an event hall. The owner opened it up for us and provided ice water and a cool place to regroup.
Four of us left the rest stop and went to a bicycle shop in El Centro to get one of the bicycles repaired. It was well into the 90's by this time but it was only 8-9 miles so no big deal. After
dropping off his bicycle we went to a deli for lunch.
The ride from the deli to the church we are staying at was not so pleasant. It was 101 by the time we reached to church. I was happy to get here. The church has showers, w-ifi, laundry and a swimming pool. Real nice place and we all appreciate their support.
Dinner was at Del Taco after a team meeting to discuss tomorrow's ride. It will be our longest ride yet at 94 miles and the heat will once again be a factor.
So far the scenery has been miles and miles of rock, sage brush and not much else. Looking forward to a change.
I take that back. El Centro is in the Imperial valley which has a lot of agriculture. Not much growing right now because of the heat but some fields were being prepared for the fall crops. We passed a section that had gigantic hay sheds. There were a half dozen rows of the sheds and then there were huge tents filled with hay. 5 or 6 tents deep that went on for over a mile.
Sunday, September 9, 2018
Day 2 Alpine, CA to Jacumba, CA
High Temp: 95
Wind: Light from south
Last night we had a lasagna dinner provided by the Alpine Women's Club which was greatly appreciated. After dinner I laid out my sleeping bag in the club hall and was out by 8PM. I was awake early which was ok because we were planning an early exit due to the heat.
At 6:30 we were on the road. Temps were in the 70's but would climb quickly. First rest stop was in Pine Valley at mile 17 but to get there the road was almost all climbing and much of it steep climbing. Because we left early and the temperature was moderate it was much better than yesterday.
By the time we left the first rest stop the temperature was climbing but still in the 80's. The next section to rest stop 2 still had significant climbing. My legs were definitely talking to me. We stopped at a convenience store in Live Oak Springs at mile 34. Fortunately the last 12 miles to Jacumba Hot Springs was very easy compared to the rest of the day. A lot of downhill rested the tired legs
We paralled the border fence with Mexico for the last few miles. Didn't see anyone climbing the fence.
Our lodging for the night is the Jacumba Methodist Church. I will be sleeping in the sanctuary. Before getting a bite to eat I had a hose shower. It was a long hose in the sun so the water was almost too hot. It felt so good.
Jacumba Hot Springs is a very small town. Main street has a small grocery store and a restaurant. My riding partners for the day Ed and David, when to get a bite to eat. More than half of the rest of the group were in the bar. The food was excellent and since it is the only joint in town we will probably go back for dinner.
Wind: Light from south
Last night we had a lasagna dinner provided by the Alpine Women's Club which was greatly appreciated. After dinner I laid out my sleeping bag in the club hall and was out by 8PM. I was awake early which was ok because we were planning an early exit due to the heat.
At 6:30 we were on the road. Temps were in the 70's but would climb quickly. First rest stop was in Pine Valley at mile 17 but to get there the road was almost all climbing and much of it steep climbing. Because we left early and the temperature was moderate it was much better than yesterday.
By the time we left the first rest stop the temperature was climbing but still in the 80's. The next section to rest stop 2 still had significant climbing. My legs were definitely talking to me. We stopped at a convenience store in Live Oak Springs at mile 34. Fortunately the last 12 miles to Jacumba Hot Springs was very easy compared to the rest of the day. A lot of downhill rested the tired legs
We paralled the border fence with Mexico for the last few miles. Didn't see anyone climbing the fence.
Our lodging for the night is the Jacumba Methodist Church. I will be sleeping in the sanctuary. Before getting a bite to eat I had a hose shower. It was a long hose in the sun so the water was almost too hot. It felt so good.
Jacumba Hot Springs is a very small town. Main street has a small grocery store and a restaurant. My riding partners for the day Ed and David, when to get a bite to eat. More than half of the rest of the group were in the bar. The food was excellent and since it is the only joint in town we will probably go back for dinner.
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| Border Wall with Mexico |
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| Me in front of the Border Wall with thumb print |
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| My home in the Jacumba Methodist Church |
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| Looking down Main Street Jacumba |
Saturday, September 8, 2018
Day 1 San Diego to Alpine, CA
I think I had Channel Fever last night. All of my Navy buddies will know what that means. I woke up and 3 AM and every 15 minutes after until it was time to get up.
Push off was at 7 AM. I had to get the bike ready, pack all of my stuff in my cubby in the trailer and be dressed and ready to go.
We crossed the street from the hotel to the beach to dip our tires in the Pacific Ocean prior to shoving off. Of course we all had individual pictures and then group pictures.
The ride to the rest stop at mile 20 was fairly easy. Temperature started out at 68 degrees and overcast which is perfect cycling weather. We were alongside the San Diego River until we got to Mission Trails Park. The trail through the park was still easy but there were large hills on either side of the trail. You could see the change in weather as we exited the park. The hills moderated some and the clouds were gone. One minute it is 70 degrees and overcast and the next minute it was 90 degrees and sunny. Our rest stop was at a Mobile station in Santee, CA.
I was feeling pretty confident going into the rest stop. The ride had been easier than I expected and I wasn't tired. That would change shortly. Within a couple of miles of the rest stop we encountered multiple long inclines. The longest was 5 miles at 6% grades. Combined with the hot day it wiped the smile off my face. All done we arrived at our destination slightly after noon.
Our lodging for the night is the Alpine Women's Club. The main hall is one room with a small stage. They will also be providing us with dinner which I truly appreciate. The Women's Club does not have a shower so they provided us with a little tent shower and a hose. When you have been riding in temps over 95 a hose shower feels really, really good.
Push off was at 7 AM. I had to get the bike ready, pack all of my stuff in my cubby in the trailer and be dressed and ready to go.
We crossed the street from the hotel to the beach to dip our tires in the Pacific Ocean prior to shoving off. Of course we all had individual pictures and then group pictures.
The ride to the rest stop at mile 20 was fairly easy. Temperature started out at 68 degrees and overcast which is perfect cycling weather. We were alongside the San Diego River until we got to Mission Trails Park. The trail through the park was still easy but there were large hills on either side of the trail. You could see the change in weather as we exited the park. The hills moderated some and the clouds were gone. One minute it is 70 degrees and overcast and the next minute it was 90 degrees and sunny. Our rest stop was at a Mobile station in Santee, CA.
I was feeling pretty confident going into the rest stop. The ride had been easier than I expected and I wasn't tired. That would change shortly. Within a couple of miles of the rest stop we encountered multiple long inclines. The longest was 5 miles at 6% grades. Combined with the hot day it wiped the smile off my face. All done we arrived at our destination slightly after noon.
Our lodging for the night is the Alpine Women's Club. The main hall is one room with a small stage. They will also be providing us with dinner which I truly appreciate. The Women's Club does not have a shower so they provided us with a little tent shower and a hose. When you have been riding in temps over 95 a hose shower feels really, really good.
Day 0 San Diego
I arrived yesterday, caught a taxi to the hotel and immediately went to the arrival celebration for the Pacific Coast ride. As expected there was a lot of excitement. A few of the riders and ride leaders will be continuing on with us.
My friend Lol and his wife Mary picked me up for lunch. We went to a Craft Brewery which was very good. I had Craft Root Beer. Also did a little shopping for items I forgot. All 3 items were on my checklist but I still managed to forget them.
Orientation was at 2 PM. We talked about safety and general rules. Then we got our cubbies. They worked it a little different this time. Instead of assigning us cubbies they let us pick first come first serve. I got a top cubby which is what I wanted. Finally there was tire changing practice for people that haven't completed a trip with Bike the US for MS before.
My friend Lol and his wife Mary picked me up for lunch. We went to a Craft Brewery which was very good. I had Craft Root Beer. Also did a little shopping for items I forgot. All 3 items were on my checklist but I still managed to forget them.
Orientation was at 2 PM. We talked about safety and general rules. Then we got our cubbies. They worked it a little different this time. Instead of assigning us cubbies they let us pick first come first serve. I got a top cubby which is what I wanted. Finally there was tire changing practice for people that haven't completed a trip with Bike the US for MS before.
Monday, March 14, 2016
Frank's Biking Blog
For my current trip click on the 2018 Southern Tier Tour tab.
During the fall of 2018 I will be bicycling across the United States with Bike the US for MS to raise money for MS research, MS Support Centers and direct patient support. My team will be riding the Southern Tier from San Diego, CA to St. Augustine, FL in 52 days. Four of those days are designated rest days but they are really used to help people with MS do projects that they are no longer capable of doing such as house and yard maintenance. We will also be doing small building projects such as handicap ramps and installing grab rails. There are several MS Support Centers we will be visiting.
Posts during the actual trip will be on the main page. You can read them here with the newest post at the top. If you want to read the blog in order start at the bottom.
Sunday, March 13, 2016
Please Consider Donating to Bike the US for MS
My fundraising in 2016 for the Bike the US for MS Northern Tier ride was a great success. Friends and family contributed almost $5000 for the cause. This year I am once again riding to help defeat MS and I would be grateful if you can contribute.
I have a goal of raising $1 for each mile I will be bicycling for a total of $1892. I have 3 main ways to meet my goal.
1. Donations from friends, relatives and anyone that wishes to help.
2. Concession stand work at Norfolk Scope with CLAMS (Cycling Legs Against MS).
3. Painting house numbers on curbs in my neighborhood.
Donations can be made on my Bike the US for MS page by clicking the following link. Then click donate.
Alternatively, donations can be mailed to:
Bike the US for MS
PO Box 10001
Blacksburg, VA 24062
Write checks out to Bike the US for MS
Please put "Frank Carpenter" in the memo line.
Please note that any donations are tax deductible; Bike the US for MS Inc. is a 501c3 tax exempt organization; tax ID #27-2192426
I have a goal of raising $1 for each mile I will be bicycling for a total of $1892. I have 3 main ways to meet my goal.
1. Donations from friends, relatives and anyone that wishes to help.
2. Concession stand work at Norfolk Scope with CLAMS (Cycling Legs Against MS).
3. Painting house numbers on curbs in my neighborhood.
Donations can be made on my Bike the US for MS page by clicking the following link. Then click donate.
Alternatively, donations can be mailed to:
Bike the US for MS
PO Box 10001
Blacksburg, VA 24062
Write checks out to Bike the US for MS
Please put "Frank Carpenter" in the memo line.
Please note that any donations are tax deductible; Bike the US for MS Inc. is a 501c3 tax exempt organization; tax ID #27-2192426
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