March 7, 2023. Calexico, CA to Yuma, Arizona. 66 miles

The kids from the Calexico Mission School prepared breakfast for us this morning. We are told that the broad majority of the 300 children cross the border from Mexico each day to attend school here. Since they never know just how long it will take them to pass through the border into the US, they are forced to get up around 4:00am – 5:00am, in order to allow themselves enough time to pass through and make it to school on time. Seeing this up close and personal really puts things into perspective on the blessings I have had in my life.

Our first SAG stop today, approximately 20+ miles outside of Calexico, provided us with an added bonus. As we were “refueling”, two men on a tandem bike pulled in on our stop on the side of the road. Though they weren’t on the Timberline tour, we offered them some snacks and drinks, and they were really appreciative of the hospitality. What we learned is that the two were traveling by themselves, (with one additional person as van support). The lead rider explained that they, too, were traveling to Florida. What set these riders apart, (aside from the fact that they were riding on a 30+ year old tandem), was that the second rider was completely blind. The man led his friend up to the table, and then to the seats, in order to give them both a rest before pedaling on. I cannot imagine riding as a tandem, much less in a state where I would not be able to see the road or the sites along the way. A true testimony to his fortitude and bravery.

After the first SAG stop, we cycled past the Imperial Sand Dunes, the largest mass of sand dunes in California. It was truly a spectacular site, and reminded me of the dunes we experienced as a family a few years ago in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. The dune system expands for over 40 miles, and is 5 miles wide. Some of the sand peaks reach over 300 feet above the desert floor.

From there, we traveled to Felicity, which is proclaimed the “Center of the World”. The town was founded in 1986, and consists of huge granite monuments with documentation of all of the major events that occurred in the history of the world. While we were there, we saw someone adding a granite panel, so I assumed that something big must have happened overnight. My fellow West Virginia friend and I on the tour were a little upset that they did not capture West Virginia breaking away from Virginia during the Civil War. I feel I must return to add this event to one of the granite stones.

After Felicity, we continued eastward across the Colorado River into Yuma, Arizona. We passed through the Yuma Territorial State Park, which houses Arizona’s first prison. Knowing that our shower facilities would be limited, I made the suggestion that we should see if they would let us shower in the prison. Unfortunately, no one saw the wisdom of this suggestion, which is pretty much the story of my life. 😦

A quick note on the biking process. I am certainly one of the slowest riders on the tour, however I’m able to overcome this deficit through sheer fortitude and perseverance, (and of course, determination not to be completely left behind!). Today’s ride, (approximately 66 miles) was about the average amount of time I trained each day back in Texas, so the ride did not feel all that difficult, thanks in part to the relative flat terrain in the desert. The bike itself seems to be holding up, and I am really relieved about that. I’ve learned that I do not mind riding the long ascents, but am not a big fan of really steep descents, which can be bone jarring, depending upon the road conditions.

Not to complain, but some of the road conditions along the side of Interstate 8 are EXTREMELY bumpy and rocky. Compounding this are the huge semi-trailers that pass you on the main road, going about 80 MPHs. I am pleasantly surprised not to have experienced a flat tire yet, and hope that my luck holds out. Undoubtedly, the rough roads and loose sand and gravel will likely cause some punctured tires and wheel alignment issues. Thanks again to you all for your love and support along the way. I truly appreciate it! I miss you all!