Santa Barbara, CA to Valencia, CA 78 miles
After ceremonial pictures were taken of the rear tire being dipped into the Pacific Ocean, the first pedal stroke was taken of approximately one million to follow. The first 25 miles were along the bike path/Pacific coast highway. The scenery was absolutely gorgeous, despite the heavy overcast skies, all the way to the quaint town of Ventura. After a left turn to the east, the ocean quickly disappeared and the landscape turned arid. 75 miles later we ended up at our hotel in Valencia. It was a perfect start to the epic journey that lays ahead.
Monday, Sept. 15th
Valencia, CA to Victorville, CA 92 miles
The day started out to what they describe as a "gradual" 23 mile climb up through Bouquet Canyon. I tend to differ of the classification, at times, it was 8-9% grade. Shortly thereafter, we were heading into the desert and the temperature rapidly rising. According to the thermometer on my bike computer, it reached 107 and to compound the situation, we had long periods of stout headwinds. At the 80 mile mark, I stopped to replenish my water bottles and both legs were attacked by severe cramps. I still had 10 miles to go. Eventually, I was able to get back on my bike, but the cramps made several more appearances. At times, only one leg would cramp up and I would release my cramped leg from the cleat and let it dangle while I continued to pedal with the other leg. One time both legs cramped up simultaneously during rush hour traffic as I was starting to go over the I-15 overpass. Not good but with no options, I had to grind it out to stay out of harms way. It took me over on hour to go the last 10 miles. That night I treated myself to a massage.
Tuesday, Sept 16th
Victorville, CA to 29 Palms, CA 74.8 miles
Today's ride took us through the first part of the Mojave desert. You feel very small, insignificant and vulnerable when you are out in the middle of some of the most desolate land on earth and the road goes straight as far as the eye can see. Except for the occasional car or semi truck whisking by you at 70 mph, you have no sign of civilization. Today's temperature was a cool 102 but there was a very stiff headwind for 85% of the 90 mile ride. The wind was so strong that on the few rolling hills, you had to continue to pedal downhill to maintain any type of speed. My training did not prepare me for the hour after hour sitting in saddle and my backside was excruciatingly sore. I was constantly shifting my weight and from a bystanders point, it probably looked like I had ants in my pants. After 6.5 hours, I made it to 29 Palms, CA and fortunately, no cramps.
Wednesday, Sept. 17th
29 Palms, CA to Parker, AZ 81 miles
Today's 111 ride continued through the Mojave desert. Just after we left the city limits of 29 Palms, a large sign stated "No Services for 100 miles". Needless to say, that was a significant wake-up call and made you really question your judgement. To get a jump on beating the heat, we were on our bikes at day break. It was by far the most desolate place I have ever been to, and of all things, I was on a bicycle. Fortunately, the winds were mild, and at times, in our favor, but the temperature climbed to over 100 very quickly. My body was having a very difficult time acclimating to the intense heat. We only had one 90 degree day in Madison this summer. It took everything I had to reach lunch at the 52 mile mark. My heart rate was approaching 170 and my energy level was virtually gone. It was reaching a very critical situation very quickly. In order to fight another day, I rode in the van for 30 miles. I rejoined the lead pack and rode the remaining 30 miles to Parker, AZ.