Mike, Christy and I were on the road shortly after 5 (that's AM, if you're still in disbelief). We were going to spend most of the day on the Interstate again, which just isn't a lovely way to cycle.
The SAG stops were frequent and needed, given the heat. After SAG 2, we were picked up by 3 others, Jeff, Mark, and Harold. Given the head wind it was great to ride in a pack, taking turns leading and coasting. The drafting is definitely getting better with more practice.
After the next SAG stop, Harold realized his tire was flat. While he changed his tire, we all checked our tires. 4 of us found minuscule pieces of wire from running over blown tires on the expressway. When we pulled them out of our tires, they developed slow leaks. 4 tires later and we were on our way again!
At the next stop, Mike was flat again. It took two tries to get the tire to stick. The culprit? More tiny wires.
There were over 6 SAG stops yesterday, because of the heat. We were encouraged to get in as soon as possible. Each stop had fresh fruit, buckets of ice for dipping our heads and feet, and plenty of electrolyte drinks. There was no shade on the highway, so SAG was the only reprieve from the hot sun. The SAG helpers had cold cloths for our necks. The heat definitely takes its toll.
We crossed the Colorado River as we entered into Arizona.
We hit camp in Quartzsite shortly after 1pm, and it was already almost 110 F. My bike computer shorted out because of the heat, so when we are through the dessert I will get a new one. I miss knowing my average speed and times.
Total distance: 123km
No average speed :(
Not often you hear about a computer shorting out because of the heat! Hang in there and enjoy your rest days.
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