OUR THOUGHTS
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Highlights:
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We saw another Bird paceline in the first few
miles in Blythe ... again flying in a nice V formation. Just
like Team BMB who flew together through temperatures in the mid
to high 90's.
Jim Bradbury took a great photo of Team BMB flying together
and placed it on his
web page here. Thanks Jim for stopping and taking the shot!!
Cheryl had a photo of Steve, her husband, on her handlebars
today so she would be inspired. That was neat.
Chuck is carrying license plates of "Carol", "Adam" and
"Alex" ... his supportive wife and great sons. He's also
taking some small surprises for the ride for his Mom & Dad.
From Rest Stop 2 to Lunch (Mile 60 to 80), we were greeted
with a brutal challenge: high temperatures, a road that just
went up and up at a relentless grade, and of course, a headwind.
This section included what Chuck figured had to be at least 10
false summits.
It took a lot out of us for sure but we held together well with
some really good "pulls" by each of us.
Tomorrow is going to be the toughest day of the Tour with 134 Miles
and 9,000 Feet of Climbing. It will be a real test for sure. With
that much climbing, Team BMB will probably be spread out.
Chuck
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Memorable Scenery:
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Timbuktoo (Not a lot there).
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Mechanical Problems:
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Ken ran over a thorn in our Hotel room (?) last night
which gave his front tire a slow leak. He swapped it out
in record time and still had time for breakfast!!
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Biomechanical (Engine)
Problems:
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Chuck's left knee started talking to him so he's watching
that ... it's given him problems before.
We are working through saddle soreness ... nothing serious yet
and all is well. There are many remedies but standing on the
bike sure helps us all.
Foot discomfort is a common problem right now and we're really
looking forward to getting up out of the heat tomorrow
We are now going into the "Twilight Zone" ... beyond what
we could have trained for in terms of mileage and heat.
There are many unknowns.
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What Worked:
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Good easy pace
Ice socks around our necks
Ice in Polar Insulated Water Bottles
Loosening our shoes for Hot Foot Flare Ups
Chicken Salad at Lunch was nice
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What Didn't Work:
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We've had enough heat thank you.
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Quote of the Day:
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"Brave helios
Wake up your steeds
Bring the warmth the countryside needs."
The Moody Blues, "Days of Future Passed"
(P.S. But we've had enough warmth thank you)
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