Lucky Old Sun: PAC Tour Blythe to Wickenburg (Day 3)

Today 116 miles 3,600 feet 10:03 elapsed time 95 degrees
So far 347 14,200 31:22

Today's ride was the third, and last ride day through the desert. Slowly, slowly, slowly as we rode up to Wickenburg, the desert became more vegetated, greener and more hospitable to wildlife. We expected to be challenged with high temperatures today. Mother Nature had another plan. As we rode through the mountains it seems as if there were storms all around us. We rode through or past the Kofa, Little Horn, Harquahala, Harcuvar and Vulture Mountains. Lightning could be seen in the mountains most of the day. I got sprinkled on a couple of times, but never got seriously wet. At one point the temperature had reached 95 degrees, then abruptly plummeted to 75 when a storm rolled through. Often its hard to know what the day's ride will bring, other than a surprise or two.

We rode on I-10 today to cross the Colorado river into Arizona, and then another 30 miles or so just because it is the road, probably the only road, that gets us where we wanted to go. Along the route today there were a lot of for sale signs. Houses of course, ranches, storefronts and RV Parks. And we did pass several RV Parks, some closed, some operating. There seems to be little in the way of commerce in this corner of Arizona. Why would one want to park an RV here?

I'm struck with the diversity of people, climate, topography and geology of our great country. As I meet people in small town America, I realize our politicians are clueless as to the needs and aspirations of our people. I don't claim to know how to "fix" congress, but I see how (and why) dissatisfied and discussed we have become with Washington politicians.

The group is starting to come together. Riders know each other's abilities and we've learned the daily routines. With each day's riding each of us is getting stronger. I felt good on the bike today. But maybe a little too good. Tomorrow's ride is the day with the most climbing on the tour. I'm looking forward to the challenge. Wish me well.

Oh, by the way, there are pictures posted on PAC Tour's website: www.pactour.com Then click on Southern Transcontinental and scroll down to photos and click.