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 |
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