First State Line - Arizona

First State Line - Arizona

Wednesday 15^th May, 2019

Day 5

Location: Blythe, CA to Wickenburg, AZ

Distance: 115 miles   Biked only 59 miles

Temp: 93 F
Wind:  15 mph crosswind

Cumulative climbing distance:  1570 ft


As with yesterday, only biked about half the distance.  Only half of the riders completed yesterday's ride.  And again today less than half completed the entire ride.  Today's ride was the longest mileage day of the entire trip coupled with more than 3000 cumulative climbing distance.  The effects of 4 long cycling days to start the trip and heat are definitely affecting the riders.  Several of us are experiencing sort butts.

Tomorrow we start the first of 3 mountain days.  Several of us needed to save some energy today for the upcoming long hill climbs.  Looking forward to cooler weather.

Photos capture the Arizona desert and the interesting inhabitants.


 

  

Crossing our first state line.

 

 

Today's route and elevation graph.

 

 

 

 

Wickenburg is today's destination. 

 

 

Again stated the day riding on the shoulder of I-10.  Wide shoulder but much debris  and not all that enjoyable due to the traffic noise, especially the trucks.

 

 

 

 

Group experienced likely >10 flat tires today including 3 flats in the first 7 miles.  Typical roadside repair.  Judi and I also both had flat tires.  For the trip: Judi: 4 and Ken: 2.

 

 

Irrigated hay field seems very out-of-place in the desert.

 

Interesting man who had made this homemade motorized bike.  Single cylinder engine.  About 75 miles per gallon.

 

 

 

 

 

SAG wagon with Paula Farmer

 

First day with saguaro cactus.

 

 

  Judi battling the 15 mph crosswind, so-so pavement road.

 

 

 

  

Old motel sign with real saguaro cactus.

 

 

Typical SAG wagon break.  Very welcome.

  

 

Riding into last SAG wagon stop.  End of the day for Judi and me.