So we set out to cross the desert,and try and survive the experience.Out of the hotel at 07.00 and almost immediately started a long slow ascent.Never remotely steep but always up and with an average temperature during the day of 35°C a significant challenge.The first stop came after about 30 miles ,take on calories and refill all the bottles.Straight away there was a long descent.We rode all day on the hard shoulder of Interstate 10,so plenty of heavy lorries to add to the heat and lots of debris to avoid on the shoulder.Thankfully I avoided a puncture all day,although I had had one yesterday.
Hitched a draught with 3 other chaps through to the second stop,Elizabeth doing very well with the faster speed.At this stop we were introduced to an American speciality a PBJ-a peanut butter and ,to us,jam sandwich.a drink and packet of crisps,and away to go.Soon it was apparent that the heat was getting to Elizabeth and our speed slowly declined.As we passed a survey vehicle the workman came rushing up to us with two bootles of cold water,followed by a cold coke,very welcome but not enough to resuscitate Elizabeth.Eventually I became worried that she would simply tumble off and as she was incapable by then of lucid thought,I stopped the van as it came along and bundled her in-end of her cycle for the day,but she did brilliantly to last as long as she did,as she has never done well in heat. All the ladies succumbed today and hitched a ride .
The last 30 Kms seemed a definite challenge and only a constant stream of gels and fluids eventually got me home,to a very cold shower,a quick rest and a trip to the liquor store for some beer and lemonade.Served shandies to to all and sundry,including the receptionist,to a general welcome,even though the drink is not known here.
So 155.9 Kms and some 800 metres of climbing,a very hard day.
Yesterday I forgot to post the windmill picture so you get that today with the few that I took today.By way of explanation Elizabeth is dressed in her desert gear,the triangle of the back is a compulsory safety device,and Elizabeth is with Paula who is helping her drape socks filled with ice around her torso!
Hitched a draught with 3 other chaps through to the second stop,Elizabeth doing very well with the faster speed.At this stop we were introduced to an American speciality a PBJ-a peanut butter and ,to us,jam sandwich.a drink and packet of crisps,and away to go.Soon it was apparent that the heat was getting to Elizabeth and our speed slowly declined.As we passed a survey vehicle the workman came rushing up to us with two bootles of cold water,followed by a cold coke,very welcome but not enough to resuscitate Elizabeth.Eventually I became worried that she would simply tumble off and as she was incapable by then of lucid thought,I stopped the van as it came along and bundled her in-end of her cycle for the day,but she did brilliantly to last as long as she did,as she has never done well in heat. All the ladies succumbed today and hitched a ride .
The last 30 Kms seemed a definite challenge and only a constant stream of gels and fluids eventually got me home,to a very cold shower,a quick rest and a trip to the liquor store for some beer and lemonade.Served shandies to to all and sundry,including the receptionist,to a general welcome,even though the drink is not known here.
So 155.9 Kms and some 800 metres of climbing,a very hard day.
Yesterday I forgot to post the windmill picture so you get that today with the few that I took today.By way of explanation Elizabeth is dressed in her desert gear,the triangle of the back is a compulsory safety device,and Elizabeth is with Paula who is helping her drape socks filled with ice around her torso!
Hope that Elizabeth has recovered and that you are both getting used to the heat. Great photos. Pleased to see you are helping the UK by exporting shandy although I suspect you may need something stronger soon.
ReplyDeleteHope everything continues to go well.
Martin and Jenny