We knew this was going to be one of the hardest days. It was going to be so HOT that they would not let us ride unless we had camelbacks to keep up the hydration. This is the first time we have used them and not really wanting to use them in the future! One of the reasons it was going to be bad was that for 90 of the 100 miles we were going to be riding on I-10. This started with an 11 mile climb almost as soon as we left the hotel. The first SAG stop (support and gear) was not scheduled for 33 miles but due to the heat the vans were out with ice water and Gatorade along the route! The SAG stop was at Chiraco Summit - yes the elevation never stops. Once you leave the stop there is nothing on the interstate for 19.6 miles. Prior to leaving Wendy had one of the CrossRoads staff, Robyn, pour cold water on her to keep her cool. It is amazing how fast it dries.
Onward to the next SAG stop at Desert Center! You can see by the picture that there is nothing left. Seems the owner of the property made it impossible for the gas station and restaurant to stay open. All that is left is a US post office. When you look at the picture of Wendy you will see that all the riders have to wear white everywhere to keep cool and some riders even had white leggings! Not a nice look and with the amount of water you pour on yourself it is totally filthy by the end of the day. I-10 is a bad road but we were extremely lucky today and did not have a single flat. Bill, one of the riders, had six, count em, 6 flats. Thankfully he was able to replenish his tube supply from the support trucks.
Due to the heat and headwind, of course, almost no one made the SAG cut off times but they made allowances today. We were sure it was hotter than yesterday but at the hotel the check in person told us it was only 102 F!!
Yes it is going to be HOT again tomorrow and the longest day of the tour.
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