Gila Bend

Today started with a 16 mile ride over very old pavement , not maintained in any way. That was the bad news. The good news was that Chandler,our bike mechanic lowered my seat and raised my handle bars. This took a lot of the pressure off my hands and allowed me to ride and use the brakes without loss of feeling in my fingers. Much better day. In a few words, hot and flat. We paralleled the Union Pacific train tracks, feedlots, and I-8.we rode from 8-3:30 with stops every 5 miles. This pacing seemed to work for Flash and I, my riding partner. The highlight of the ride was our break for McDonalds in Gila Bend aro und 2:30 and 4 miles from our camp site. The las t few miles were up hill and over more rough road. Tonight we are in bed early so we can start our 78 mile ride at 6 rather than our normal 8.we are hoping to get more of our ride done before it gets too hot. High today, according to my bike thermostat was 100. It is very dry so my nose didn't run and I didn't sweat which is nice. Sue helped me make a sun shade for my helmet to block the soup therm exposure of my face. I am also wearing my baseball hat under Moy helmet to add a wider brim. I cut out all the fabric and the button on top of the hat. So it is just the brim. This way it does not add heat and m y face is being saved from the brutal sun burn of the first few days . I must figure out a way to protect my left thigh from the southern sun as well. The Arizona night sky is spectacular. U can see all the planets clearly. It really is an amazing trip. My body and mind our changing to meet the demands of this experience. I feel quite different and open to possibilities. Thank again for all ur support.