3 Days Done

Day one was 121 miles from Costa Mesa to Thousand Palms, just outside of Palm Springs. 17.1 mph average, riding time of 7:15. The first 35 miles were on bike path, a fantastic way to get out of LA. My favorite bit was the 20 miles of downhill with an outrageous tailwind that blew us into Palm Springs.

After listening to Mike, our ride leader, talk for 2 hours last night about all the things that can and do go wrong, we were all quite somber. Skin, bones, and lives at full risk. He's lead and/or ridden 40 of these cross country tours, and told us that 10% of us won't make it. That's 3 of us that won't roll into Savannah. We all look around, knowing we're in the 90%.


Day two was 119 miles to Blythe. 17 mph and 7:17 of ride time. The 20 miles in the box canyon after the town of Mecca were stunning. Quiet and beautiful desert that was so enjoyable. I've a blister the size of Montana on my right foot. What a silly thing to do, start a cross-country ride with new shoes and pedals. Thanks to Noah for saving the day and shipping my old shoes and pedals out to me. And we're doing a bit of interstate riding this first week. It's wild to be next to all those 18-wheelers blasting by, and one of the tough challenges is all the wires that come out of the radial tires of those 18 wheelers and puncture our little bike tires.

Kirsten was at the post-ride meeting last night. One minute she was chipper and fine, and the next minute this strong 20-year-old girl just collapsed into her father. Off to the hospital, and two bags later she was fine. It was brutally hot out there, and the wind today only added to the challenge.


Day three was 115 miles from Blythe to Wickenburg, AZ. O blessed tailwinds, as I put together a group of 4 and we pace-lined it the whole way. Taking turns for a half-mile at a go, we completed the 115 miles in 6:13 at a smoking 18.7 mph. I was very nervous about day three. The analogy being going back to the gym after a long time away. The muscles find peak soreness on the third day. So doing this amount of time and mileage daily ... I was nervous about this day. But I feel fairly good. Some blisters here and there, plenty sore muscles, yet my energy is good, my thinking on track.


Sadly, today we lost another two. Greg got lyme disease 3 weeks ago, still came on this trip, and cracked today. He'll be back on the bike tomorrow, as will Kirsten. But Jack hit the rumble strips hard today, went over his bars, and was helicoptered to Phoenix. We'll see how he makes out, but it's doubtful he'll be back with us for a few days. So, already 3 have dropped, at least for a day.