Day 2, El Centro California to Blythe California
Monday, September 12, 2011 Category: Bike Ride
Last night in El Centro at the hotel, I was not able to connect to the internet, so I wasn’t able to post a daily blog. So today, while I have an internet connection, I will post the last two days.
I had a difficult time sleeping last night, mainly due to thinking about the ride today. However, today, I am fairly tired, so sleep should come easier. We left El Centro about 6:40 am, and headed north out of town. Most of the scenery was farm land. Also, I was chased by the first dog (I am sure there will be many more). We eventually rolled out of the farm country and into the desert, hitting the Imperial Sand Dunes in the desert. It was obvious that it was desert, since the temperature was fairly hot. Our climbing consisted of a lot of rollers (a downhill followed by an uphill. There were plenty of, but mostly just small ascents and decents. Eventually, we headed down into the valley where Blythe was and the dips subsided. We had lunch just off the road at a recreation area about 20 miles from Blythe. Today was an easy day, going 104 miles with about 1700 feet of climbing.
Once we arrive at the hotel, the first thing to be done is to wash the bike. Pactour has buckets of soapy water to perform this task. Once done cleaning, we take our bags to the room, take a shower, and wash our riding clothes in the sink with detergent. Then, if we are in early enough, there is some relaxing time, before heading out to forage for food at the local eating establishments.
Tomorrow, we head up to Wickenburg, Arizona. The weather calls for a 40% chance of rain, so I will be taking my rain suit. Hopefully, we won’t hit much rain, since I am not a good rain rider. I am keeping my fingers crossed on this one! We have a 115 mile day with about 3430 feet of climbing. I have had some issues with my feet, primarily pain in the balls of my feet. I was able to have Susan purchase a pair of insoles for my cycling shoes, so I am hoping that will take care of my feet problems. Wish me luck on this!
Click here for today’s pictures
I had a difficult time sleeping last night, mainly due to thinking about the ride today. However, today, I am fairly tired, so sleep should come easier. We left El Centro about 6:40 am, and headed north out of town. Most of the scenery was farm land. Also, I was chased by the first dog (I am sure there will be many more). We eventually rolled out of the farm country and into the desert, hitting the Imperial Sand Dunes in the desert. It was obvious that it was desert, since the temperature was fairly hot. Our climbing consisted of a lot of rollers (a downhill followed by an uphill. There were plenty of, but mostly just small ascents and decents. Eventually, we headed down into the valley where Blythe was and the dips subsided. We had lunch just off the road at a recreation area about 20 miles from Blythe. Today was an easy day, going 104 miles with about 1700 feet of climbing.
Once we arrive at the hotel, the first thing to be done is to wash the bike. Pactour has buckets of soapy water to perform this task. Once done cleaning, we take our bags to the room, take a shower, and wash our riding clothes in the sink with detergent. Then, if we are in early enough, there is some relaxing time, before heading out to forage for food at the local eating establishments.
Tomorrow, we head up to Wickenburg, Arizona. The weather calls for a 40% chance of rain, so I will be taking my rain suit. Hopefully, we won’t hit much rain, since I am not a good rain rider. I am keeping my fingers crossed on this one! We have a 115 mile day with about 3430 feet of climbing. I have had some issues with my feet, primarily pain in the balls of my feet. I was able to have Susan purchase a pair of insoles for my cycling shoes, so I am hoping that will take care of my feet problems. Wish me luck on this!
Click here for today’s pictures
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