| Page 2 Day 5 - 1/18/02 51.75 miles 1,240' climbed - 45' Altitude Jacumba to El Central Down Hill from Heaven As usual we had breakfast at the local cafe. After breakfast we started the day with a beautiful 10-mile uphill on a quiet, scenic desert road, then the downhill from heaven (A ten mile 6% down hill on Interstate 8). After the downhill we exited the Interstate for a quiet, but bumpy road in disrepair that took us into El Centro. We went to the chamber of commerce for some camping info. As it turns out we got bad information so we backtracked 6 miles into town for yet another hotel. Day 6 - 1/19/02 First let us thank all those truckers who slowed down and past by us carefully. We have had good experiences with many courteous drivers, giving us room as they pass. As well as a kind honk and wave to say hello. Today we rode 44.98 miles from El Central to about 25 miles west of Yuma. We climbed 1,500' climbed. Our Alt. is 170' we are happy to be in the desert. We made camp in the desert on BLM land. We had two low fly-bys by the Border Patrol checking us out, but no visitors that night. Day 7 - 1/20/02 29.62 miles 1,560' climbed 176' Alt YUMA'S FINEST Today was a great day for riding. It is cool, clear and flat. We have a head wind but that’s ok. Myron rode on the side of the freeway while Chris and I took side roads. It takes a bit longer but it's quiet. We camped at the old Prison site just outside of town. At about 9:30 We are awakened to a spotlight an someone saying "Police". I was dead asleep and it took a moment to figure out what was going on even though we fully expected to get a visit. The officers checked out our ID's and checked to see if we were wanted. I sat up and began to tell them about the trip, answering there questions about how long and how far. All the usual questions we get from curious people. Anyway thank you to Yuma Boys in Blue we were able to stay there even though we weren't supposed to be there. They could have made us pack up and leave. Day 8 - 1/21/02 FIRST LET ME APPOLOGIZE TO OUR READERS FOR THE DELAY IN UPDATING THE WEBSITE. We have not been able to send the updates due to the fact that we were often out of digital cell phone range. Denise, Myron’s daughter is working to find a solution, so that we can send updates much more often. Once again we are sorry and we thank you for your patience. Today is a rest day or as we call it a layover day in Yuma. We did our laundry and took showers (even Myron) took a shower. That was for those of you who have ever toured with Myron. Myron doesn't like or need to shower. He can cycle all day and not sweat or stink. Therefore, he refuses to waste the water. I on the other hand need and look forward to a long hot one. Day 9 - 1/22/02 55.63 miles today Climbed 2,900' today BETTY BOOP Today was the best riding day to date. We had quiet country roads in the desert. We would like to say a BIG HELLO to Carl and Shirley. They are a nice older couple we met in Yuma, who were very curious about our trip. Also I would like to thank the older couple that found my wallet in the laundry mat in Yuma and turned it in. It goes to show you how honest and nice people are all over the country. (GOT FRUIT?) We were cycling along a nice quiet road when we found a small, clean, quiet town. The kind of town you think: yah I'd like to raise a family here, the town was Wellton, AZ. In Wellton we found BETTY BOOP'S Restaurant. Of course Myron was not about to pass this up. We went in and sat ourselves in the non-smoking section. Angel our waitress took our order. Myron ordered pancakes and Angel turned around and yelled to the cook " Will you make pancakes"? The cook replied " How many"? Myron wasn't done yet he had the gull to ask for fruit. Angel once again turned and yelled, " Hey, you got any fruit laying around". Myron looked at me and we busted out laughing to Angel's puzzlement. Needless to say Myron never did get his fruit. We continued riding soaking in all the beauty. It is days like this I know I'm doing the right thing. I have been questioning myself if I should be taking a year off work and in essence playing around the country. I have been very homesick lately I miss my family. But, days like today I know I'm doing the right thing. I have to thank all the SNOW BIRDS I've talked to (Retired people who live in the north and winter in the south AKA Snowbirds). I've been stopped a lot by curious snowbird asking what I'm doing. When I tell them I always get the same response. GOOD FOR YOU!!!! They are always encouraging and tell me that I'm smart to travel while I'm young. I suppose that they too have been bitten by the bug and like to travel but traveling by bicycle camping out is not for them at their age. Thank you for all your encouragement. Day 10 - 1/23/02 miles today 35.63 cclimbed today 1,620' ( BAW ) Last night we camped in the desert about 9 miles west of Mohawk. Chris's knee is really bothering him. I'm concerned about him, I hope he gets better soon. We are riding east on a frontage road along highway 8 with (BAW) aka Big Ass Winds. The winds are not in our favor, although, this time of year they are supposed to be at our backs to help us, this is part of cycling. We ate lunch in Date City; it was not our best meal. We are tired and hungry yet, as hungry as we were we could barely choke down our meal. While we were having lunch we met a couple of nice older gentlemen in the both next to ours. I can't at the moment remember their names but I have them written down in my notes. As always it is great to meet new friends. We continued riding into the wind. Myron says that the winds are full of positively charged ions, and that is why people are so irritable in the wind. |
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