Day 8 - February 16, 2010 - Coast to Coast
From the Stoker:
It is finally more than a warm day, it is a hot day. We only had 21 miles to bike to get to Quartzsite, AZ. We are getting stronger or the climb just wasn’t as bad as we thought it would be. We could have made it easy yesterday, but glad we didn’t, our time on the Colorado River was wonderful.
We arrived in Quartzsite and staying at 88 Shades RV Park. We arrived early afternoon, set up camp and walked about a mile to the flea market. Dick and I only spent an hour or two but Carol never got back to the campground until dinner time.
We enjoyed time sitting in the shade with our glass of wine and thinking about the steak dinner we were going to have. We will enjoy tomorrow (if you can enjoy washing clothes and paying bills and fixing bikes) but be anxious to get back on the bike Thursday morning.
Impressions from the Captain:
It was an easy day to get to Quartzsite, climbing 1000 ft., which seemed to go relatively easy, in spite of another day of head winds. The only highway available here is I-10 so we had to deal with the noise and traffic. Luckily, the shoulder is wide and smooth so I could concentrate on road hazards. I used to dislike the big trucks but when you’re going into a head/cross wind they block the wind and, surprisingly, they’ll pull you along for 100 yds. or so. Sometimes our speed would increase 2-3 mph. Love it!
Starting to have slight knee tenderness….something that was fairly common with my running and biking but it would usually go away with stretching the quads. Hopefully the day of rest will help.
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ReplyDeleteSounds like a much needed rest day. Enjoy.
ReplyDeleteoh how we are enjoying your journey. the pics are great and the posts make us realize how much work this really is.
ReplyDeleteSAFE TRAVELS AND GOD BLESS YOU
Larry & Michele
I goofed up and posted today on the 9th link...you may need to go there to read...Dave D
ReplyDeleteSounds like you'll enjoy a much needed rest day. Tell Aunt Carol to post every once in awhile. I'm dying to know how she's keeping herself busy during the day, besides the flea market. :-)
ReplyDeleteAll my love,
Nicole
This is one crazy, incredible journey! I can only imagine what it must be like to ride into the headwinds day after day. Hopefully, that will improve soon.
ReplyDeleteJohn & I think of you everyday - be safe, have fun and Pedal On!
Barb & John
Dave, we got your comment. Thanks again for your help. If you ever come to Michigan, we would love to have you stay with us. You have our cell number.
ReplyDeleteThank you all for your words of support.
I wish I were with you. Still snow on the ground here in Minnesota. Elliott Royce
ReplyDeleteAny updates in March? Hope all is going well. Snow is finally melting here, so I'll be on my bike soon. Thinking of you two. Elliott Royce Minnesota
ReplyDeleteI'm enjoying following your route with my R/McNalley Atlas. Silver City and Gila NM wound interesting; hopefully some day I'll be able to visit the area. Keep pedaling -- we're proud of you. Elliott Royce, Minneapolis
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