Ken Bell. Sat. Jan 5, 2013
A journey of 3058 miles begins with the first step or first turn of the pedals. After taking pictures of the ocean and the start, we set off to discover America and discover we did. The first few miles took us through the mall district of San Diego, with multiple stop lights every block. If it were to stay like this we would never reach Florida. Before long the road turned up and up and up, all the way to Alpine and the Viejas Casino where we planned to spend the first night. After enjoying a great buffet meal we retired to our new RV home in the Casino parking lot. Lights out at 11.00, more mountains tomorrow. Miles traveled today was 40 miles.
Sun. Jan. 6, 2013
We awoke with freezing rain falling and an urgent need to get over the Sierras. What we thought was up, turned into really up, followed by steep up, & cold rain mixed with snow. John got his first taste of mountain biking. After what seems like hours, we stopped in Pine Valley for a Hot Mocha before we hammered on. We finally began to top out and had a fast 3 mile descent into warmer and sunny skies. But, that is where mother nature had us think we were done with the Mountains. For the next 4 miles, we climbed up and up. John said, “back in the old days they just built roads that went straight up and over” none of this going the easy way round.
Finally about noon we met Teddie at the La Posta Indian Casino. We ate and had our fill of sandwiches and iced tea. After lunch we set off and the Bell luck was with us as we had a tailwind, which was so strong we were cruising at 25 to 35 miles an hour. We flew down & out of the mountains and almost beat Teddie to the meeting point in Ocotillo. Then we easily rode into El Centro, being the victor’s of the Sierras and enjoyed a celebration at my favorite store Wal-Mart. We spent the night in their luxury RV car park. Miles traveled today was 86.
Mon. Jan. 7, 2013
A slow morning, stiff and sore, climbed into our biking gear and headed north out of town. What Mother
Nature gives you one day, she takes away the next. We rode into a strong headwind almost all day, About midday she threw in a sand dunes segment with gusting sand. Big trucks whipped by almost blowing us off our bikes. But, in the true pioneer spirit we soldiered on, but the wind got harder and the road got steeper. And just when you think that things couldn’t get any worst, the shoulder of the road disappeared,
and we had to compete with the trucks and cars. The scenery was rocks, sagebrush, cactus and sand. Can’t imagine what the early settlers must have endured. But, near the town of Palo Verde, we admitted defeat for the day, and hit the RV for a good meal and some needed rest. Miles traveled today was 72. There was nothing fun about today.
Man….I told you there were hills there……The RAAM riders work their asses off getting through the first day or so….although they have to deal with the heat as well. Hope your luck gets better on the weather. 8 inches of snow this morning here. Lovely but it’s melting……The Forester is a beast in snow.
Oh for headwinds, tailwinds, rain, snow, sleet, hail, sand,sun, uphills, more uphills, downhills…the full enchelada. So ad you are safe. Can’t wait to hear when the first century happens. You two are “bloody, hearty ol’ chaps.” “Cheerio”
Amazing!