Tuesday, April 24, 2007

Day 2 Thousand Palms, Ca to Blythe,Ca 119.4 miles







Another great day! The weather was spectacular! After Grand Slam breakfast #2, we were off for Blythe 119.4 miles down the road. The first section out of Thousand Palms was mostly agricultural. Organic produce (peppers mostly) and orange/grapefruit groves...all set against a stunning backdrop of mountains. Our first climb was up thru Box Canyon, which was really an amazing place. Very little traffic so we were able to ride two-abreast and talk as we climbed for more than 12 miles.
Next can the first of two legs on I-10...the first 30+ miles...the second secong more than 40 miles. I know the interstate doesn't sound like the best place to ride...but, it was actually very safe. There's a huge breakdown lane that is separated from the travel lanes by rumble strips. The semi's always seemed to move to the inside lane to keep from blasting us. Even then , as they passed you'd get this big burst of wind. The big problem is the debris. There are huge hunks of blown out tires that leave microscopic wires that get embedded in your tires. Lot's of flats today! We got to the hotel before the luggage truck again...so this was day 2 of me going to get my luggage dressed in a towel. Got a nap and then dinner at Sizzler (woohoo!).

dd

3 comments:

Mike Starr said...

So you rode on an interstate because there were no other options? Cool...

Unknown said...

Great pictures today.

You need to do a posting on the hardware on this trip. What is everyone riding???

Unknown said...

Dinner at Sizzler!! Isn't that why we all exercise to begin with?! =)