Route Map
Our route: Nags Head, NC to San Diego, CA
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
California
The minute we crossed into California everything seemed to change. We went from hot, barren, desert in Arizona to the Colorado River, jet skis, palm trees, and green farms. However, after spending a night in Blythe, CA we were reminded that we were still in the desert.
The next day was a 90 mile day in the desert. I swept that day, meaning I and my buddy Jake were to be the last to arrive to the host site. We left Blythe at 545 am, and didn't arrive in Brawley, CA until 715pm! It was a long, hot ride. Temperatures got up to 112! There was only one store the whole route, and we had the owner open it up so we could get water, gatorades, and ice. Despite the 100% markup on everything, we bought a ton. I ended up drinking over 7 liters of liquid that ride. Although it was a long, hard ride, we did see some interesting things. We were 20 miles from the Mexican border so we saw a lot of border patrol out. Additionally, we went through the Imperial Sand Dunes, which span 40 miles by 5 miles. They have been used to film many Hollywood films, including Return of the Jedi.
The next day we rode into Julian, CA. We rode 73 miles, and it wasn't an easy ride. We climbed through our final mountain range, the Sierra Madres. The West side of the mountains is desert, so we had a lot of heat until we reached the mountain town. Once again, I had about 6-7 liters of water. Luckily, this time I was able to get in by 230. Steve and I hung out at a coffee shop in town, then went out to taste test the Apple Pies that the town is so well known for. The test was between Mom's and Julian Cafe, and by majority vote, Julian Cafe won.
Today we rode into El Cajon, CA. This morning was the first morning since the Grand Canyon where I was actually a little cold starting out. We warmed up quickly though, and after a long, leisurely stop for coffee, we were off to finish our 50 mile day. It was a simple day, and the weather was perfect. Although there were some climbs, the route was mostly downhill, as we descended from 4000 feet to 435 feet. We're now staying in the El Cajon Valley high school library, and getting psyched about our arrival in San Diego tomorrow. Can't wait!
The next day was a 90 mile day in the desert. I swept that day, meaning I and my buddy Jake were to be the last to arrive to the host site. We left Blythe at 545 am, and didn't arrive in Brawley, CA until 715pm! It was a long, hot ride. Temperatures got up to 112! There was only one store the whole route, and we had the owner open it up so we could get water, gatorades, and ice. Despite the 100% markup on everything, we bought a ton. I ended up drinking over 7 liters of liquid that ride. Although it was a long, hard ride, we did see some interesting things. We were 20 miles from the Mexican border so we saw a lot of border patrol out. Additionally, we went through the Imperial Sand Dunes, which span 40 miles by 5 miles. They have been used to film many Hollywood films, including Return of the Jedi.
The next day we rode into Julian, CA. We rode 73 miles, and it wasn't an easy ride. We climbed through our final mountain range, the Sierra Madres. The West side of the mountains is desert, so we had a lot of heat until we reached the mountain town. Once again, I had about 6-7 liters of water. Luckily, this time I was able to get in by 230. Steve and I hung out at a coffee shop in town, then went out to taste test the Apple Pies that the town is so well known for. The test was between Mom's and Julian Cafe, and by majority vote, Julian Cafe won.
Today we rode into El Cajon, CA. This morning was the first morning since the Grand Canyon where I was actually a little cold starting out. We warmed up quickly though, and after a long, leisurely stop for coffee, we were off to finish our 50 mile day. It was a simple day, and the weather was perfect. Although there were some climbs, the route was mostly downhill, as we descended from 4000 feet to 435 feet. We're now staying in the El Cajon Valley high school library, and getting psyched about our arrival in San Diego tomorrow. Can't wait!
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