Day 1 Sunday, June 10, 2007

Day 1 is over now. The 128 miles from San Diego to El Centro, CA took us 8 hours and 20 minutes. The temperature didn't get over 100 degrees they say. A relatively "cool"day. Eric thinks we came in about 6th out of 5o, but I'm not sure.

The sag stops were organized well and were placed about ever 30 miles. My diet today consisted of oatmeal with brown sugar, pastry and juice for breakfast, Payday bars for snacks, sandwiches, chips and cake for lunch, and a Denny's dinner of salad, french toast, cheese covered fries and a side of mashed potatoes. The liquid for the day was Camelbak water & ice and insulated water bottles filled with Sustained Energy. This was the first ride in several years without Hammer Gel for me.

Eric and I stayed together all day, joined by others every now and then. We rode a good part of the first 75 miles to lunch with Ed Pabst (age 57). He was very strong on the hills. Then we didn't see him again until he came in after us at the end. I was strong in the climbs of the first half, and Eric was stronger in the hot flat sections of the last half.

Basically the route weaved under, over and both sides of I-8 for most of the day with to section actually on I-8 (5 miles flat and 12 miles descent). Some of that second I-8 stretch looked totally devoid of live plant life.

Then we were on CA-98 through the Yuha Desert. Very barren (see picture).

There were lots of border patrol cops on that section. There were also these flags on polls (see picture) with a blue container at the base. It said "aqua" on the container. When we went over to inspect, there were 4 one gallon jugs of water (hot water at that time of day). People told us it was a humanitarian effort to keep the illegals alive during border crossings. So they make it illegal for them to sneak over here but they supply water just in case.

We got in, drank recovery mixtures, showered and ate. The I splurged on a half-hour massage to flush the legs of lactic acid. The guy was good. The IT band area was especially sensitive. It felt good. I hope it helps tomorrow go well.

Tomorrow is 190 miles with only 2300 feet of elevation gain but it is supposed to be MUCH HOTTER. It will be important to manage our speed and our liquid intake. Until then - so long.