From Brawley to Blythe, CA. 90 miles today. Soft flat cool morning across irrigated fields of cabbage, kale, and alfalfa; a mid morning warming climb up and over the broad crest of the Imperial Valley sand dunes; and a long, slow climb up the Palo Verde Mountains through sparse fields of blooming evening primrose, yellow flowered creosote, and purple verbena on sun varnished plains of gravel. (see attached photos) We’re in the desert now, no doubt, and even the descent down the mountains back into more flat irrigated fields does little to change the desert landscape. But let's face it, any great trip is also about the people, and so far, we've confirmed that sitting on a ski lift all winter does not prepare the tush for a long distance ride in the saddle. We know that nearly everyone will wonder at some point - when its really hot or the sag seems far away - why they're riding these long distances everyday. As Andy Anderson said today, it's not whether you'll wonder why you're doing it, it's how long each day you'll wonder. But most importantly, it's a great group who all make sure each rider who is stopped by the road is ok before peddling on, and I'll bet, all feel it's a great pleasure to ride with these great people across America. Here's a sampling of our group (see attached photos): Steve, Kathleen, Polly, Steve(again), Gary, Chris (in the back), and Bill.
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