Story was the HEAT

Story was the HEAT

Tuesday 14^th May, 2019

Day 4

Location: Indio to Blythe, CA

Distance: 98 miles   Biked only 49 miles

Temp: 98 - 105 F

Wind:  11 mph crosswind

Cumulative climbing distance:  2185 ft

 

Today's story line was desert heat and resulting heat exhaustion.  Day started strong but did not end as planned.  Temp was 98 F with 11 mph cross wind that felt like standing in front of an open furnace.  Additional heat radiating of the black freeway surface. 

 

I have experienced dehydration during the past 2 days.  Just cannot drink sufficient quantities of fluid even through being told to drink drink drink to avoid that unfortunate state.

 

  

 SAG wagon stop at midway point.  Note white arm and leg cooling sleeves for the desert heat.

 

 

Biked the entire day on the shoulder of I-10 freeway. 

 

 

 Elevation of Indio is -27 ft.  Shortly into the ride we were back to sea level and then climbing.

 Starting 12 mile climb.  First of today's 3 SAG wagon stops was at Chiriaco Summit.  Today's route ends at Blythe.  Heading into hills in the distance.

 Note sign early into climb. If we only were so lucky to have AC.

 

 Freeway grade looking back towards Palm Springs.  Note shoulder

 

 Judi at SAG stop with typical nutrition and hydration offerings. 

 

 SAG stop at semi-abandoned town of Desert Center.

  

 

 

 

At lunch today's cycling came to a sad, but wise and prudent ending at the midpoint of the ride due to the heat and heat exhaustion. Approximately half of the tour riders did not finish the ride and wisely took the SAG wagon at least a portion of the ride.  Wide decision as the temp in Blythe was 105 F late in the afternoon.