Total: 2499 miles!!!!!!!
Cyclist's Observation: Sunny Southern California is too sunny.
Bill and I left Yuma bright and early. As we made the assault on the Colorado River into 
California Bill had his flat for the day (see picture). It was then "hi ho and away we go" down Interstate 8. Just as we were getting some rhythm for the day, fate played a little joke. I love it when this happens because you start to remember phrases from grade school. These were always the phrases that got me sent to the principal's office. Fate decided to tell us it was now illegal to ride a bicycle on the interstate. Being the ever dutiful law abiding citizens, we exited onto the very rough and bumpy frontage road. Shortly, we stopped to ask if this was the way to El Centro. Confirmation moved us forward with haste until we passed a "road closed" sign. This should not be a problem since we were directed off the interstate, had confirmed directions to our next destination, and we had our necessary identity papers to pass through the southwest! We cautiously moved forward until a construction supervisor in a red truck blocked the road ahead. Bill and I explained our plight and he politely told us to go on the interstate. We explained the legal issues and he repeatedly told us to go on the interstate. He pointed to a Border Patrol Station and told us we could take a shortcut to the interstate and explained how helpful they would be. Bill and I reversed our direction and cut across an open area toward the Border Patrol. Hiking through the soft sand in cycling shoes was a new experience I would choose not to repeat. After a friendly greeting and a brief explanation, the Border Patrol Agent told us we could not ride on the interstate. After more discussion he sent us to the "Sheriff." We waited patiently while the sheriff talked with another person, and then we explained our predicament. He politely explained that we couldn't ride on the interstate. We repeated the last half hour of our "Catch 22." Finally, the sheriff relented and we rode off down the interstate as fast as our little old legs would allow. We skipped El Centro and got off the interstate ASAP.
California Bill had his flat for the day (see picture). It was then "hi ho and away we go" down Interstate 8. Just as we were getting some rhythm for the day, fate played a little joke. I love it when this happens because you start to remember phrases from grade school. These were always the phrases that got me sent to the principal's office. Fate decided to tell us it was now illegal to ride a bicycle on the interstate. Being the ever dutiful law abiding citizens, we exited onto the very rough and bumpy frontage road. Shortly, we stopped to ask if this was the way to El Centro. Confirmation moved us forward with haste until we passed a "road closed" sign. This should not be a problem since we were directed off the interstate, had confirmed directions to our next destination, and we had our necessary identity papers to pass through the southwest! We cautiously moved forward until a construction supervisor in a red truck blocked the road ahead. Bill and I explained our plight and he politely told us to go on the interstate. We explained the legal issues and he repeatedly told us to go on the interstate. He pointed to a Border Patrol Station and told us we could take a shortcut to the interstate and explained how helpful they would be. Bill and I reversed our direction and cut across an open area toward the Border Patrol. Hiking through the soft sand in cycling shoes was a new experience I would choose not to repeat. After a friendly greeting and a brief explanation, the Border Patrol Agent told us we could not ride on the interstate. After more discussion he sent us to the "Sheriff." We waited patiently while the sheriff talked with another person, and then we explained our predicament. He politely explained that we couldn't ride on the interstate. We repeated the last half hour of our "Catch 22." Finally, the sheriff relented and we rode off down the interstate as fast as our little old legs would allow. We skipped El Centro and got off the interstate ASAP. We were Calexico bound and after 76 miles at 14 mph we arrived just before the heat of the day. As you can see from the picture of the dunes, we traveled through some very dry, hot, and desolate areas today. Who knows what tomorrow may bring?
This is the Old Land Cruisers still on the lamb in California.
nor the Autobahn(did Eric and I ever tell you that story?)
ReplyDeleteDear Bill & Mick,
ReplyDeleteMy web homepage tells me it's "Bike to Work Day". They give some biking tips that I thought I'd send your way in case you didn't know about them:
Being a slow biker is nothing to be ashamed of. Read this article, and it should help you to become a better one.
1.. Pace yourself and take full advantage of flat and downhill moments; this is when you can just coast or pedal lightly and regain some energy. Also, pedal a little harder at the end of the hill to increase your momentum as you move to the level or uphill.
2. When going up hills, switch to a lower gear so that you don't have to work as hard. Sometimes it may actually be better to use a higher gear if you can to get to the top of the hill faster. Decide which way you like better.
3. Always take full advantage when you take breaks. Take a drink, sit down, or just lie down and close your eyes.
I thought you'd like #3 best of all.
Safe wheeling...
Bob D
PS I think the CA law enforcement people must recruit from FL!