Greetings from Indio Ca,

Today makes two really tough days in a row. In fact Rick, our mechanic who rides a good portion of the tour said these were the two of the most changing days (first days) that he has faced in 18 years. There was a 3 mile climb at the beginning and a really tough 6 mile climb that took ud to mile 39. WE faced very stiff headwinds or side winds for most of that. At one  point on a  limb, the wind was blowing across the raod and with it a mini sand storm. The sand stung.

We did go over the san Andreas fault which basically looks like a bunch of rocks piled yup. To a geologist it may be inspiring but I just hoped the wind didn’t send some boulders crashing down our way.

I was feeling kind of sickly before the ride began and by mile 40, I almost ended my day. However, I told myself to try to push on to the next sag. Amazingly, I started to get stronger as the heat went up. The wind died down a bit and we actually got a tailwind for part of the ride. It was hot too but not unbearable.

I rode alone most of the day put within a few miles of the finish, I caught up with Richard from England and we rode in together. I was really hammered but feel better now.

At route rap Tracy urged many of us to take a bump early in the day. A bump is getting in the vehicle and being let out down the road at some point so you effectively SAG it for 20 or 30 miles. Most of our group came in after the cut off time and I just made it.

Tracy talked about the dangers of the desrt and signs of dehydration and life threatening symptoms Hallucinating and passing out were at the top of the list but other conditions such as headache or nausea or often early symptoms of much series issues and in the desert are not to be ignored.

The camera crapped out early when I tried to take a picture so the only pictures that I have are from the hotel – sorry

Today was the first day that we rode on the interstate as well.

Chuck