The day was defined by logistics, speed, heat, the border and school children.
The work crew had to take the bikes and all the bikers to the summit near Boulevard CA where we ended yesterday. Then, as we were riding they dismantled the camp ground, moved the luggage [3-4 bags per person x 43] and drove to Calexico and set us up in the 7th Day Adventist Missionary school where we are spending the night. After dinner they took the laundry for 43 bikers + staff of 18 to the Laundromat. I’m sure grateful that they signed on to do this work because I would not want to do all that after biking 61 miles.
John and I agreed that the descent today was the longest continuous 6% drop we’ve ever done - 10 miles without a single flat spot. I’m sure the scenery would have been interesting if I had dared to look.
This was the first day with temperatures over 85. Looking around it appears that we all need practice applying sunscreen consistently. We’re like red and white Dalmatians.
After the descent The Border Fence came into view. Most intimidating. There were border patrol vehicles every few miles.
The school where we are staying is literally feet from The Fence. The children who attend cross the border each day from Mexicali. The teacher and the 10th grade class cooked dinner for us. Tomorrow morning they have agreed to be at the school by 5 a.m. in order to make breakfast for us. To do that they need to be at the border crossing line by 4 a.m. It’s humbling to realize how hard some children and their parents will work to get a good education and a better future.
Tonight all of us are sleeping in the gym. Should be interesting. I haven’t been to a pajama party since the 6th grade.
The video from day 2 is now posted on day 2.