You Can Taste the Air!

 
 
 
 

Today was interesting. Ron, Tim & I left California City around 7:30 and headed toward Mojave. Yesterday and today have been the first days I have really perspired in the 16 days of THE RIDE. The temp was perhaps 88 and I understand it could easily be 100, so we got through the desert quite well sans the windy day on Monday. Passing through Mojave, a train was heading East like us and going 25. Ron revved it up and we actually passed it and continued pulling away. We're working on posting it on YouTube and I'll provide a link for you. Ron thinks it's the coolest thing ever and my wife wonders if anyone will care. You decide. But I think it was so motivating to start a long day with some serious speed.

Our first break was in Lancaster at Starbucks (sorry Lance) where Tim temporarily withdrew. Ron & I found a nice bike path in Palmdale that got us off a busy highway and I photo'd a lone fishing boat in the weeds. I don't know the significance of it, but it's my blog and you're reading it. It wasn't long and we were heading east up a gentle grade with a strong tailwind and we were cruising 18-20mph climbing to 4300' where we actually got to ride the descent that Friday's stage of the Tour of California will be ripping down. I finally busted 50 on this trip...51.7mph (not my fastest since I've been riding) and I'll bet the pro racers will exceed 65. I wish could be there to see that. Tim joined us at the 15 & 138 to descend into Fontana and we quickly realized we were on historic Route 66! The road surface was sure historic.

Because we couldn't ride on the freeway, we meandered to the city on backroads and I don't know what Ron said to the llama, but he was spitting mad. Tim accumulated 71 miles and Ron & I racked up 124.I knew it was going to be like this... the air tastes dirty.

What a Difference a Day Makes

 
 
 
 

After the debacle of yesterday, we decided to get an earlier start to beat the winds. At 7:00, Ron & I left under calm, sunny conditions and promptly cranked it up to 22mph. As per Dr. Ron Laverty's instructions, Tim left ahead of us to begin physical therapy on his knee. It took us around 12 miles to reel him in and he put in 25 successful miles at a brisk pace, furthering his hope to ride as much of these last 3 stages as possible.

At the 52 mile break, we had an average speed of just over 20mph, even with a slighly increasing headwind. There isn't much to report about the terrain, because it is mile after mile of desert. We were awestruck by the geologic formations in Red Rock Canyon (photo 3), but then it was quickly back to flat desert. I began to fade after 85 miles, but when I took this picture of Ron, he looks as spry as ever. If you ever want to bicycle across the country, here is a tip. Hire this guy...he is like a sherpa for mountaineers. He loves riding, he works hard and he encourages you along the way that you can make it.

We are camping in a forgotten RV park by the California City Airport. Average speed for the day was 17.9mph with a crosswind for a total of 106 miles and I am tired. But we are dropping into the L.A. gnarliness tomorrow and on track to finish Friday night. I think I might be able to do this...after yesterday, I wasn't so sure.

High Winds + iPod= Bad Karaoke

 

 

 

 

What a crazy ride today! We left around 9:00 wearing just a jersey and shorts with a 15mph headwind and within 10 miles, I was frustrated with our progress(or lack thereof). I watched our average speed steadily drop from 15mph to 11.8 over the course of almost five hours of riding and once again, Ron must have rode at the front 90% of the time, but 'drafting' in these conditions is nearly futile. By the time we rolled into camp, the winds were 30mph with gusts over 45. It was not the worst day I've had cycling, but it was the toughest 55 miles Ron & I have ever ridden for sure.

Now I do NOT advocate this, but we took our iPods after the first break because of the howling winds. Even with the volume maxed out, I could still hear that awful sound over The Who. I started singing the lyrics I knew and it probably sounded horrible, but it made the ride more tolerable.

Leaving Independence, Ron & I found out what sandblasting feels like. Grinding along at 8mph in a 39x25 gear, we could see a cloud of grit and dust coming right at us and within seconds I couldn't breathe or see Ron so I stopped until it passed. He asked if we should turn around rather than put ourselves in peril, but I was more determined than ever to just go 15 more miles to Lone Pine. The construction zone turned out to be a huge benefit in that we had a whole partitioned lane to ourselves. Man, that sand in the face still hurts as I'm writing this.

A big thank you is in order to Russ & Rene Rickert. We are camping in Boulders RV park and it is everything you said it would be. The hot tub repaired some of my aching body. Jim Wright and company, can you pray for us over the next 2 days through the desrt? I am not sure I can take another day of these winds.

Not Really Downhill Afterall

 
 
 
 

We camped last night at the base of Tioga Pass, the north entrance to Yosemite. Just a beautiful setting with a creek roaring from snowmelt. Ron & I rolled out at 7000' and promptly were ascending again, this time to the last pass over 8000'. It's kind of a tough way to start the day, but you just do it. As you can see from the photos lately, the landscape is majestic and a great place to ride. Now, I'm not gonna lie to you, it was hard work, but rewarding all the same.

We met up with my family and Tim in Mammoth Lakes and had a delicious sandwich at a bakery, then strolled around a little. The town is in between ski season and summer recreation, so things were a little quiet. Ron & I descended for the next 45 minutes or so and the scenery changed before our eyes. Evidence of spring was everywhere, this cute lamb, trees are leafed out and the wind is blustery. Today was supposed to be something of a recovery day; even so, we rode 81 miles.

Dad found an oasis in this dry region of California...Keough Hot Springs. Griffin and I paid $14 and spent 2-1/2 hours in the pool and hot pool...refreshing! But Tim found the real deal a short distance away and it was free; smart guy. The place is kind of funky and a step back in time. If your ever in the neighborhood, check it out. This was the perfect finish to the day.

Downhill the Second

 
 
 
 

It's Downhill From Here!

 

 

 

 

Leaving Minden, Ron & I stumbled upon a fun run the community organized. It was great to see families and friends celebrating a run in memory of someone special. A girl of 4 or younger was running to the finish line and everyone was cheering her on. She was adorable, smiling and sweating as her mom hugged her when she completed the one-mile run and I teared up. It made me think of Christ greeting us at the finish line...now that's LOVE.

The day was perfect for cycling. It wasn't long and we entered California once again and admired Topaz Lake as we descended a twisty road. Tim had to buggywhip Ron for some reason...maybe he drank Tim's coffee. Right after one of our climbs, my cyclocomputer showed 1000 miles traveled...a milestone for both of us! There were three passes to conquer and the highest was Conway Summit @ 8138'. I obviously punished Ron with my speed, because he collapsed in the snow.

The mountains here are big and close. They are amazing to ride over, through and around. Just look at the sky. It was a hard day, but an epic one. This stage has been in the back of my mind as the toughest one...and I did it! 93 miles.

Worst Place to Ride-Carson City!

 
 
 
 

I found out we camped in Nevada last night and you can actually throw a rock to California from our trailer, so that matter is settled. Ron & I rode the 18 miles to Reno to join Rich, Tim, Dad, Karen & Griffin at the National Auto Museum for a change of pace. Tim drove away too fast and left me stranded in the roaring 20's. If you are in the neighborhood, pay the measly $10. and visit this museum. It is very well done and if you bring a man over 70, he will tell you about Petey and his first Ford or Stinky McGoo and how he crashed this or that Dodge. I love the sense of nostalgia old cars can generate. And I just had to include this photo of a '53 Corvette and the toy version...my favorite Corvette model.

We ate lunch at In'N'Out Burger and parted ways with Rich. Dad dropped him off at the airport so now we are down to six in the trailer. Rich is quick to make friends and the guys miss him already. He rode an average of 54 miles a day at our pace...not too shabby for a recreational rider!

Ron & I continued migrating south and rode on an expressway, a county road and a freeway offramp where Ron exceeded 50mph and I had to settle for 46.6. This put us back on 395 through Carson City wherein we encountered the WORST riding of the trip. No bike lanes and cars passing you with that mashing the throttle in anger like, "I hate bicycle riders and they don't belong on any paved rode because I want to get to the next stoplight before they do". Then we see them at the stoplight and it's ALWAYS a guy in his 30's--50's who doesn't like what he sees in the mirror. Every time. This happened 5 times in Carson City and once in Minden. When some washed up guy almost hit me, Ron caught him, followed him into a gas station and gave him firm instructions on how to drive safely around cyclists. I reinforced it and we left. The idiot knew he was wrong and had no words of brilliance. Don't bother riding a road bike here..it sucks.

Oh yeah; we stopped at the state capital and were impressed.