Day 3 (4/23/22) The First Century

Start:                  Pine Valley, CA

End:                    Brawley, CA

 Miles:                               101

Elevation Gain:                2,468

 Century = 100 miles in a day.  It’s been a long time since I went this long.

Tish was kind enough to drive me back to Pine Valley (about 50 minutes from home) very early so I could get going on the miles.  Brilliant sunshine again, but a chilly 41 degree start.  As you see in the gallery photo, I was in full black ops gear, which was good as most of the beginning of the day was all downhill—including a 10-mile stretch on I-8 that was a 6% down grade all the way.  I thought I was done with interstate travel until New Mexico, but had forgotten about this stretch.  This rock/hill formations are striking.  It looks like you’re cycling on Mars.  Sorry, no pictures.  Didn’t think it was prudent to stop for pictures on the interstate.  Before I got to the 8, however, I hugged the Mexican border for a few miles.  Turns out, there is a wall there (actually, it’s always been there…see gallery)

On to Imperial County, CA.  Not very scenic.  Mostly the Mojave Desert with a lot of scrub brush and sand/dirt.  Made it to Calexico around 2 p.m. and restocked my water supplies.  Calexico is a border crossing town, but I’ll always remember it for horrible roads.  It wasn’t Paris-Roubaix (go 47 seconds into this video for a sampling:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W5oNsJQ7Q3g), but there were spots…

I stayed in Brawley on my own.  Brawley is a farming town that’s seen better days (a common theme I’m afraid).  There was a Vons (supermarket) and the motel was generous with their bottled water so that was nice. 

Highlights

• The first century of the trip.  Not a lot more.  They are tough.  I started around 7:00 a.m. and didn’t pull into the motel until 5 p.m.

• Cycling on Mars—downhill no less

• Other than the cold start, perfect weather

 What I’m Thankful for Today

• Completely off the topic, but Bailey got a huge promotion yesterday that likely will change his life.  I don’t know if it’s gratitude, pride, relief, or a combination of all three, but I’m so glad he and Lexie have taken all of my counsel (and pestering) about hard work and taking advantage of the opportunities that are presented to them.  Very proud of both.

• Full disclosure.  I’m a mucous machine.  Once I  get going on a ride or a run the water works start and don’t let up—unless it’s very warm (90+ degrees in San Diego) or very dry.  You may notice I always have sweat bands on my wrists while riding.  Let’s just say those aren’t for sweat.  I’m grateful “sweat” bands, but more so for the dry heat of the desert.