Day 7: Seventy-Seven Plus

Our cue sheet said 77 miles, mostly uphill, and the thermometer read 95 degrees. To make matters worse, we experienced a headwind. Having ridden 350 miles the previous six days made this the most difficult day yet. That said, the ride was made considerable easier by riding in a paceline with fellow riders for the last fifty miles. Drafting makes a big difference and pulling the line keeps you motivated. Were were able to average 18 mph. Only one more day until our first rest day at Catalina State Park  

We all got up earlier than normal to beat the heat. Breakfast was served at 6:30 and we were on the road by 7:00. The first sag stop was at the 26 mile mark. However, it turned out to be 29 miles away for us because for the third straight day we made a wrong turn. Today and Wednesday it resulted in longer rides. Yesterday, our failure to follow directions was beneficial because we entered the nicely paved highway one entrance sooner and we got to chat with the friendly Border Patrol at their checkpoint, which we would have missed on the official route.

We only have good things to say about Shoe Goo as it held Lisa’s shoe for the entire 80 miles. Nonetheless, we will be stopping at REI on Sunday to purchase a replacement pair, additional “cooling sleeves”, and another taillight to replace the one we lost on the harrowing descent last Monday. The “cooling arms/legs, in addition to providing a level of cool, also offer UV protection that eliminates the need for messy suntan lotion. Now if they would just offer a mask, we could be covered from head to toe.

Tourist Highlight: Riding through the Sonoran Desert surrounded by the segura cactus.