One Down; 48 to go!
Trip Start
Unknown
1
4
50
Trip End
Ongoing
Where I stayed
What I did
Cycled from El Sugundo
Riverside, California
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Only a quick blog today because this hotel computer has a strict time limit. Well the first ride has been completed; around 78 miles and 3,400ft of height gain. We dipped the back wheels in the Pacific and took loads of photographs. Then to the applause of the early Sunday morning by-standers it was off. Most people we talk to cannot believe that anyone would cycle across America so we have got cheers and shouted greetings from all and sundry. Today's ride was more or less all along wide urban roads and through 100 traffic lights. The other drivers were remarkably courteous particularly since we acted like cyclists do and more or less ignored most of the traffic rules. The weather was cool (like an English Summer) and for some of the time there was a tailwind. There was one faller, bruised and cracked helmet but otherwise unhurt. One GPS fell off and was run over by a truck, really bad luck. Penny and I rode with the front group and we got into the hotel at 13:50 having started at 07:30 with two stops along the way. Not much to see in Riverside so we had lunch and washed our riding kit. Tomorrow we start on the first of the desert sections after Palm Springs. Slightly longer ride with about the same height gain but we are expecting the temperature to climb to around 32C by the time we get to Indio.
Chris and Penny
Comments
Must feel great to finally be on the way!
Well done. That's quite a speed you're keeping up. Incidentally, I had a look at the map, keen to find where Riverside was, and found the map to be centred on southern Libya, just north of the Niger border. Just check that you are, in fact, in California.
So great that you are finally on your way! You say at the end of your blog that you wish we were there: I wish I was there too!! Would certainly beat work.
Enjoy the diversities of each day.
I note that if you project your current route forwards, you get to "Ten Thousand Foot Ridge". I hope you're going around it and not over it!
By the way - wash the back wheel - we don't want it going rusty on you. Salt water's corrosive stuff!
Good luck with the desert - there's lots of it around there :-)
Fantastic start, keep pedalling!
Hi Chris and Penny. What a fantastic trip you are undertaking, though a bit too challenging for us we feel! We hope you have a fabulous time and look forward to seeing some photos when you can. Take care and enjoy.
SORRY but Judi needs to know by Thursday whether you will be willing to be Chairman of the Finance Committee and a nominee for Vice-Chairman of the Parish Council. I feel tired just reading your blog - good on you with the bike ride! Jean
Glad you have made a safe start to an epic ride!! We are watching with great interest and admiration.... Enjoy!!