Day 16 Highway 93 Wickenburg, Arizona

Stats

Daily mileage 79 Ride time 6hr 35min
Avg speed 11.97mph total mileage 825

I woke up out of my dream world and sat forward. I felt an instant sharp pain on my bum cheek. I decided to head for the shower and check it out. I got into position that was most likely in the book of karma sutra and identified several very large boils. Considering I am wearing the same pair of cycling shorts day in day out I guess I should expect this. Its not as grim as you think as they are being wiped with baby wipes everyday! Whilst we are talking about hygiene, I decided to wear a fresh pair of socks today. I have warn the other ones inside out and they are starting to become rigid!

I went back to my tent and noticed the massive American flag was blowing ever so softly in my direction. I smiled and thought to myself “about time”. As I approached my bike I noticed the rear tyre was flat and upon examination I had collect a staple that had pierced the tyre. A quick change of inner tubes saw to the problem and I then packed away. I was very conscience of the water situation today so I went to the café and purchased a coffee and drank lots of water. At 0830 I got on my bike with a total of 4 litres to cover 75 miles. I took a glance at the flag and noticed the wind had changed and began slapping me in the face. I really didn’t want a tough day because of the food and water situation.

The roads were hilly and the temperature was in the 90s by 1000am. The only rest bite from the wind was when the cars and trucks passed me at 65mph. It was a dangerous game but the wind was making it incredible hard. I continued cycling until I hit the wall. My legs were weak and I was shaking from head to toe. I had to stop and eat something. By pure coincidence, a car pulled over because something came loose on their trailer. I needed water badly and they happily obliged.

I got back on the bike and battled against the wind. I couldn’t sit still, the saddle was becoming painful and my mind was weak. The only thing I could focus on was the tumble weed beside me being bent over by the wind. If only it was blowing the other way I would be flying along. Cycling is so fickle!

I must mention about the vehicles over here. In general they are simply bigger and appear to be a status symbol of some sort. A recreational vehicle (massive campervan) passed me today. It was the size of a coach and had a moped on the back. It was also pulling a 4wd truck that had a quad bike in its trunk. I was gob smacked. I don’t get it. Why do they need all that to go camping. Insane, I tell you!

At 1600 I reached the first town I had seen since this morning and was somewhat relieved. I went to an RV park but the manager was an obnoxious idiot and was not willing to help me. Thoroughly pissed off, I decided to find a cheap hotel and chill for the rest of the day. I found one for 40 dollars and checked in.

I studied the maps and predict some more hard riding for the next 2 weeks and then I will be on the flat ground. For me to reach Florida for my flight home I need to do about 500 miles a week. If the winds continues whacking me around the chops then I will struggle to reach my target.
As you may have noticed, the photos for the past few days have been pretty rubbish. Once again, I have become obsessed with maximising my ride time and haven’t wanted to stop and get my camera out. I will try and take more pictures tomorrow.

This is my beard after 20 days of growth! Lets see it mature over this trip. If I capture any bugs in their I will take photo evidence for y’all.