Day 5

Blythe, CA to Wickenburg, AZ (115 miles). Today's ride was LONG! Not only was it 115 miles, but it took me 7 hours and 40 minutes to finish it. Today we crossed into Arizona, our first state border crossing. We were given a little film canister of sand at orientation and told to sprinkle a little at each state line, so we did that for the first time today. Tracy, the tour leader, said it would bring good luck and less flats so we weren't going to take any chances! The first 38 miles was on I-10 like yesterday, but then we got off on Route 60 East and headed for Wickenburg, AZ. We had to constantly pour water over our heads and shirts to stay cool. Temperatures were reported to be in the 100's but it's hard to tell because there's no humidity. We climb uphill all day tomorrow from Wickenburg to Prescott (60 miles). More tomorrow.