The ride from Riverside to Indio (May 14th) began with a modest 2.5 mile climb at the outset and was followed by a 5.5. mile climb at the 26 mile point. The descent into the desert came with a wonderful tail wind that produced an average speed in excess of 26 mph! Roberta and Jeff, our tandem cyclists from New Hampshire, hit 47 mph and could have gone faster but they wisely activated the drag brake. The ecstacy came to an end as the wind shifted, the terrain flattened and the temperature hit 111. On the approach to Palm Springs, we saw countless windmills (they don't build windmills where there's no wind) and snow capped peaks (not all that high).
We encountered many people from waiting in line at the convenience store to being stopped at traffic lights in Palm Springs who were both amazed (if not disbelieving) and very supportive of our adventure. Many, many car and truck drivers honked their greetings and gave us wide berth as they passed. In the course of researching this trip, I read several accounts of cyclists going it alone who were inundated with offers of free food and lodging. I'm starting to understand how that could happen.
Several of the riders got into trouble today. A few of us helped one guy who was experiencing chills to make it into Indio by making frequent stops and cooling him off with wet bandanas. Several others needed to be "rescued" by the SAG van. Total distance: 85 miles. Total vertical climb: 3200 ft.
Once in Indio, we slurped down date shakes and collapsed around the pool.
Desert warrior preparing to do battle with the Mojave
Marilyn Monroe sculpture being erected on main street in Palm Springs
In a complete coincidence, friends Brian and Janice were also in Indio and we enjoyed a dinner together. What are the chances?!
On our next day (Tuesday, May 15th), we had our first exposure to riding on I-10. The only reason that cyclists are allowed on this limited access, high speed highway is that there is no other way for us to get from Indio to Blythe. Thus the California Highway Patrol does not kick us off the freeway. The first thing that strikes one is the amount of debris that is flying off the trucks. The shoulder is littered with recap tire fragments and tie down straps. All of this is prelude to the flat tire that I got about 15 miles into the ride and during an 11 mile climb. Not only was the tube flat but the tire was trashed due to a large hole torn in the sidewall. Of course, I didn't see the sidewall gash and proceeded to burn through two tubes before realizing the problem. This is the first flat tire that I've had in over 15,000 miles of riding. It was a day of many flat tires including the 6 that Bill from Albuquerque got.
The desert in this area is very barren (at least to my eye). There are hills all around but they too are without any meaningful vegetation. It is a foreboding and unforgiving landscape.
I drank a lot of water and Gatorade on this day: in excess of 200 ounces and poured at least half that much all over my body in my attempts to ward off the 111 degree heat (again). We also started riding in a pace line to conserve our strength against what became a difficult headwind. Everybody is very supportive of everybody else and it's a great team atmosphere.
Total miles: 102. Total vertical climb: 3100 ft.
Life on Interstate 10
Enjoying an energy bar and a couple of minutes rest
Ding ding ding, and the desert warrior wins!
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