Day 2 (4/21/22): The Ascent
Start: Lakeside, CA
End: Pine Valley, CA
Miles: 30 miles (as Rodney would say, “the hard way”)
Elevation Gain: 4,611 feet
Perhaps I’ll suggest otherwise when we get to Kentucky, but today was the hardest climbing day of the trip. Unlike most other days when the hills undulate, today was a true ascent. It was up pretty much the entire day. I knew it going in, but that didn’t make it any easier. I’ve done a lot of climbing the past few years, so I managed to slog my way through it pretty well. I went with Miles today, as it has more lower gears to make the climb less hard (can’t describe is as “easy”). Unfortunately, the good folks at my local bike shop who replaced my rear cassette, 2 of the 3 front chainrings, and chain 2 weeks ago botched the job, so I battled chain shifts and slippage all day. I know where I’ll be on my “day off” tomorrow.
I rode on a freeway (I-8) for the first time today. There are places in the West where you simply cannot avoid this and this was one of those places. Luckily, it was only a little over 3 miles. I was actually surprised by how nice the shoulder was. Very clean (no debris) and very smooth. It was a 6% uphill grade all of the way, but I somehow managed to speed things up here. There are few other stretches like this in Arizona, but Tish and I have decided she’ll drive me here and not risk anything. (My dirty secret is out…I’m not actually riding entirely across the country.) I have another 4 miles in the middle of New Mexico in a few weeks when Tish won’t be around that I’ll have to conquer on my own.
It was another beautiful day. The eastern part of San Diego County has a unique, rugged beauty that we’ve grown to love. It’s especially lovely in the Spring when it’s just a bit greener than usual. Seeing it from the bike was just different though—better. I posted a few shots in the gallery, although when you’re climbing, the last thing you typically want to do is to stop on a hill, lose your momentum, and then start again.
Highlights
I rode on a freeway long enough to know (as suspected) I don’t want to do that again.
So many nice vistas along the way. Very little traffic (other then on the 8) and no other cyclists so I could slow down and appreciate it even more.
Easter egg scones for lunch (see below and the gallery).
The hardest climb is completed. (I will live to regret that statement.)
Pine Valley is only 50 minutes from home, so again, I’m sleeping in my own bed tonight. That gig is up on Saturday.
What Am I Grateful For Today
Trail Angels. Bikepackers and long-distance hikers are always amazed at the outpouring of support they receive from friends and strangers once they get going. Our friend Mary Taggart was my first trail angel. She and Tish did a hike near where I was cycling today. On the way to dropping me off, I realized I had forgotten my lunch (great planning), and Mary offered me 3 delicious scones she had made for her family for Easter breakfast. Take a look at the gallery; the Easter Bunny is be jealous.
My mirror. I’m going to get preachy. Take a look at the picture in the gallery. If you ride a bike on the street, you should use one of these. Knowing what’s behind you is so important, and this specific type of mirror gives a quick and full view. Riding on the 8 today, I could see cars (and trucks…and RVs) from at least a half mile away. No one was driving erratically, but if they were I would have had a much better chance of reacting quickly. I know you can’t prevent all accidents, but you can arm yourself with as much equipment to help as much as possible.
Riding through the east county today took me back to when Tish and I first started hiking in 1988. We’ve spent quite a bit of time out there. Neither of us were “outsoorsy” growing up, but I’m so grateful we got off our bottoms and started exploring.
Off day tomorrow. Also, I won’t have my computer in Brawley on Saturday, so no post until Sunday evening. I’m sure you’re crushed.
Enjoy the ride…