OUR THOUGHTS
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Highlights:
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Today was a different challenge from yesterday. Team BMB rode together all day, and our challenge was to ride at a pace that would keep us from getting overheated by the desert. Hydration was very important, and as an example, Ken consumed approximately 16 bottles of water and Gatorade. The temperatures on the road are considerably higher than the air temp due to the heat radiated from the asphalt.
The route departs El Centro Northeasterly through the farmlands and the course is very flat. After the first rest stop at mile 30, we started a very shallow climb to the second stop at mile 56. By this time the desert heat was felt by all, and we were climbing in 90+ degree temps. After the second rest stop, the terrain more rolling but without any sustained climbs, and we were able to sustain a better speed. The lunch stop was at mile 82, and by then the temperature was in the 100 degree range. The last 21 miles is very flat but the temperature climbed until we finished the ride in Blythe at about 106-110 degrees. On this route we rode through Glamis (a wide spot in the road) which claims to be the sand toy capital of the world, we saw several hundred dairy cows adjoining the road, and a unique looking stone fence alongside the road.
Today was a success in that none of us had any muscle cramping problems.
Ken
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Memorable Scenery:
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600 Cows then a Cow Stampede!!
Little yellow butterflies in the middle of nowhere at Mile 55.
At sunrise, we saw a group of birds flying in a V formation ...
like the pacelines we worked in all day ... each of us taking
turns at front ... like a ballet.
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Mechanical Problems:
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NONE
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Biomechanical (Engine)
Problems:
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Everyone's feet were getting hot
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What Worked:
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Moderate pace in the hea
Pearl Izumi Microsensor Shorts worked real well
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What Didn't Work:
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106+ Degree Heat but we did O.K.
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Quote of the Day:
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It's the hard things in life that make us strong.
From a Mormon Pioneer Diary
On the Mormon Trail, from Winter Quarters, Nebraska to the
Great Salt Lake, Utah
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