Sunday, September 5, 2010

Apparently I'm Early

Day 2 Sept 31st Jacumba, Ca. To Brawley Ca. 60 miles

I left Jacumba, Ca. About 7 this morning. Unfortunately, I still had six more miles uphill. After you leave Jacumba you have to ride on I8 for about 13 miles downhill, yes, downhill, 6% grade downhill. It ranks in the top ten most harrowing experiences of my life. I was doing 30-40 mph and feathering the brakes to stay in control. Did I mention crosswinds? The In Ko Pah pass has hazardous crosswinds that often shuts down the interstate to big rig and RV travel. Twice I was blown off the shoulder and into the actual traffic lane. The total descent was 4000 ft. in 15 miles.
I stopped in Ocotillo Ca.for the first 32 of 162 ounces of Gatorade by 12:00 noon.
From Ocotillo I started across the Yuha Desert. Yuha is Spanish for sahara.(you'll get it later). The Yuha desert is one step above hell. Actually, when you die it's possible you could go to the Yuha desert. The road from Ocotillo through Yuha Desert to El Centro is the worst road I've ever ridden on. It's more like an abandoned stretch of pavement that,s been taken over by nature, except there is no nature there ton take over. The pavement just rots for eternity.
I went by a 100 ft. grain elevator in Imperial, Ca. that had the words "sea level" with two horizontal lines painted on the sign. It took me a minute to realize that the line represented sea level literally 60 ft above my head. Pretty impressive.
I still cramped most of the day but the elevation was tolerable.

It was 99 degrees at 8:00AM this morning. It is 110 in Brawley at the time of this post. If anyone says, "ya, but it's a dry heat" I will slap you all the way to San Diego. People keep asking me why I'm so early. Apparently bikers don't start coming through until October. Who knew? I missed that in my research.

I was so out of it last night that I forgot mention an interesting happening. I had been sitting in a Burger King for about an hour trying to relax the cramps. I was on the phone with Amy telling her how lonely it is when you don't know anyone. Right after the call I mounted up and as I left the parking lot to head uphill a guy on a bike flys into the parking lot from uphill looks me right in the eyes and says, "dude I know you" and rides off. I'm not making this up. I said out loud to myself, "was that an angel"?
Sidelight, I wonder how visitors feel when they come to church and don't "know" anyone.

I guess yesterday's blog left a good deal of concern out there. Amy is on her way to Phoenix and then here tonight. I have about a 90 mile stretch tomorrow which I was very concerned about, so I'm pretty relieved to have support.

I arrived in Brawley today averaging about 15 mph. Mostly because of In Ko Pah pass. But that's better than the 8 mph I averaged yesterday. I hit the motel about noon and got an early check in. I ate and slept this afternoon and feel better at the moment.

Your prayers are especially felt and I never intended to be a burden of worry.
We may take a day off tomorrow, if not, God willing I will write tomorrow night from Blythe, Ca. More climbing tomorrow, but from below sea level what choice do you have?

Trust Him,
Lincoln

P.S. I did see some of those 162 ounces, for those of you who were concerned.

15 comments:

  1. There will be angels in your path at every turn. Glad to hear you had a better day and that Amy will be able to spend some time with you. Sounds like the Gatorade helped too! Each mile brings you closer to your goal - remember it is the journey that will make you strong. Keep trusting....

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  2. I joke with Summer because she knows I hate exercising. However, this did get me through one of her exercise classes . . . Philippians 4:13 "For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength" Bike riding a bi-zillion miles is much harder I'm sure but this would still apply to you too. :) Just keep saying it over & over!!!

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  3. Facsinating stuff Bro! Keep peddling and writing, we'll keep praying. Amid all the ups, downs, extreme heat, terrible roads and other challenges, I'm thankful at least that there is no mention of banditos (they're probably waiting on the crowd in October). Blessings!

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  4. Well, Mike the Eyeguy pointed me this way and I will be following your journeys too. From someone who went on their own sabbatical in 1984, I should mention the point of the journey is not to arrive, but to experience it. There is a world full of interesting people and places out there and to see them one mile at a time will create memories for a lifetime.

    God speed, Ed Fowler

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  5. After all of that bike riding I'd be worn out! I bet you sleep good at night time!

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  6. come on dad you can make it all the way. im cheering for you.

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  7. Stay strong my brother!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  8. Dad you better stay hydrated and get rest or eles ill run all the way out there and beat you a hammer. You can do it!!!!!!!!!!

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  9. This is Kody...dad you are the best and there is no way you cant do this!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  10. Lincoln if I have ever known anyone to have the determination to accomplish something it is you. Stay strong physically and God will lead you through this adventure.

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  11. Every mile you ride is an inspiration to me to just keep going. Praying for you...

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  12. Hang in there, Linc! It's still early in the ride and I mean that in a good way. You'll find a rhythm and it'll all start to click. I think it's awesome that you are doing this. I'm so proud of you and will eagerly await and read all your posts. I understand, in part, as I'm in training for a 150 mile ride in early Oct. Ever since we talked about this I keep toying with the idea of coming to ride with you at some point as you get closer. We'll play that by ear. In the meantime, keep crankin' and know that you are being covered in prayer.

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  13. Just think how boring your blog would be if your ride went-
    Day 1: 100 miles, great weather, feel fine
    Day 2: 100 miles, great weather, feel fine
    Day 3: 100 miles, great weather, feel fine..... :-)
    I am so glad Amy made it to you safely! I hope having her there helps you get through this tough patch! I continue to pray for you and hope to read a boring blog soon!! God Bless!!

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  14. Just some encouragement from the Word...

    "Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize."
    -I Corinthians 9:24-27

    "1Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart...No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. Make level paths for your feet, so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed."
    - Hebrews 12:1-3, 11-13

    Hugs,
    Bun

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  15. Wait, Dude, you were serious about the whole bike trip thing?

    Keep trucking and let me know if you need geek support!

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