3/09/15 Blythe to Brawley, CA 88 miles

     I am in the lead in the "Flat Tire Race" now that I woke up to another flat tire.  The rear tire patch from the day before did not hold, and had to change it before heading out. Lea helped me and between us we managed to leave in a reasonable time.  Therese, our Sag of the day told me I was not allowed to have any more!
     On this fourth day on the road our route took us 88 miles through the Imperial Sand Dunes, climbing big rollers, most of which was on a modified chip seal road surface.  We saw some spectacular scenery and had many examples of 18-wheelers who were very courteous to us!
     The day ended with a sweet 20-mile finish to our day!

Sunday, March 8th, 2015 Jacumba to Brawley, CA 68 miles

Today I had two lucky flat tires!  The first was discovered in the parking lot before leaving the Jacumba Hotel.  Better there than on the road!  The second was the other tire, and I happened to be in a small group that included our ride leader, Katie Craney.  She was able to patch the tube and send me on my way!  Both flats were caused by "goat heads," very small thorns that wreak havoc with cyclists.  The replacement tubes have to have 80 cm valve stems, which are hard to find, especially here in the desert.

We all had to be very careful going down because of the wind tunnel effect

on the road.  I kept my speed between 25-30 mph especially since the rims

on my wheels are wide.

Alpine to Jacumba, CA 49 miles

San Diego to Alpine, CA 34 Miles

Day 1 of our ride and the air was electrified!  We were anxious to get going!