2012 was a year of firsts. Ryder Hesjedal became the first Canadian to win a cycling Grand Tour, I won my first Masters Race, Dana got her first Carbon Frame road bike, and......well, there was probably a bunch of other stuff happening too but I just can't think of anything important at this time. I'll think about it and get back to you.....
Okay enough literary drivel. Here is what is going on with our AZ adventure:
December 29th - We departed Merced, Ca. surprisingly rested after a night sleeping on Highway 99, next to the Amtrack rail line and we headed south through Bakersfield to Pasadena. The trip took us over the Tejon pass. This was quite the unexpected experience. To start the highway leaves the flat farmland and goes up sharply to 4,100 feet. 4 and sometimes 5 lanes of traffic snaking up the mountain and high speed would be enough to test ones driving skills but on this day we had the added challenge of pounding rain mixed with snow and fog. The trip down into Orange County was equally challenging. Once in the L.A. megalopolis it was hang on to the wheel and keep moving at least until all traffic came to a halt on highway 210. You see, this day brought rain to the megalopolis. Drivers in this part of the country don't do rain. 20 miles of go fast, stop, go slow, go fast, stop, repeat.... Then I remembered that the last time I was here, in March, I said "never again". So, I'll say it again, "Never again"!!
By the time we got to Palm Desert it had dried up and the traffic had thinned out. It was clear sailing to Blythe, Ca where we stayed the night at a small Best Western we have stayed at a couple of times before. This gave us a chance to walk across the street to the old time Cocktail Lounge that is truly a classic. The young cocktail waitress, you really cannot say "server" here, even asked us if we would like a "cocktail" before dinner? When was the last time you were asked that? (btw: Yes, we did.) The decor is right out of the 1950's. The place seats maybe 40 people. We had a fabulous salad and steak and then walked back across the street to the motel. Great end to a long day on the road.
December 30th - We finally arrived in Mesa and at Mesa Regal. We pulled into the carport at 1402, got out of the 4Runner and were warmly greeted by our dear neighbours. We unloaded the 4Runner, Barry assembled the bikes while Dana stored the gear in the trailer, and went next door to catch up on happenings with our neighbours. We got home had a quick bite and literally fell into bed. I'm going to skip over the pounding rain we had in the evening and will say only that it served to clear the air of the dust and sand.
December 31st - Up at the crack of 8:00 a.m., breakfast and head out for our first ride. While it was cool it was dry and the sun did shine. We logged 50k and were happy to get our cycling legs in motion. It has been 10 days since we last rode (tour d'basement) in Victoria. 10 days of sitting, eating, siting, eating...... Time to get into a better routine and log some serious miles. Tomorrow we will go for a New Year's ride in the sun.
That pretty much brings us up to date. I would like to send out a special New Year's greeting to Lola, Uncle Bob, Spenser, Linda S, Mary Ann F, and Diane K. I wish all of you a speedy recover and good health in 2013. For everyone else, Peace, dude!
PS: I still have not thought of any other firsts in 2012. I'll think of it some more and get back to you...
A couple of pics from our last days on the road:
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| Tejon pass on I-5, southern California |
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| L.A. traffic in the rain |
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| Wind Power. I added this for Naomi. Yes, progress is being made, but ..... |
