I spent the night in Ocotillo with the temperature barely dropping below 80 degrees mostly just trying not to move so I wouldn't sweat more than I already was... Suffice it to say it was a pretty uncomfortable night of sleep but, it was free so I won't complain too much.
I woke up Saturday morning and was on the bike starting the climb out of Ocotillo at 6:45 a.m. My attempt to beat the heat... It didn't work. 2 hours later and only 12 miles later I had climbed from 377 ft. in Ocotillo to over 4000 ft. I then spent the next 40 miles dropping down into the low 3000's and then back up into the 4000's while battling some pretty good winds and temps that were peaking into the 90's...
By 1:00 p.m. I had gotten the majority of the climbing finished and stopped for lunch in Pine Valley. From there it was only one more 400-500 ft. climb and then a nice drop down into Alpine where I was to spend the night.
After a good break I finished the ride and got to Alpine without much trouble. It was only 66 total miles for the day, but combining the amount of climbing with the winds and heat it was definitely one of the harder rides of the entire trip. It was the Southern Tier reminding me that I had to earn every one of these miles getting to San Diego and it definitely helped me do that.
In Alpine I stayed with a fellow by the name of John and his family, warmshowers hosts again, and had a really great night talking with them about Alpine and their lives and watching their crazy little kids run wild around the house. It was a very entertaining night to say the least.
On Sunday, Day 53, John made venison chorizo, egg and cheese burritos that were very tasty and then I rode the last 32 miles that were mostly downhill into San Diego. I hit the waters edge of the San Diego Bay officially completing the Southern Tier! 1 of 4 complete!
From the Pier I rode the few miles to my college soccer teammates apartment, Corday, who has graciously allowed me to crash with him for two nights as I regroup and prepare to push on up the West Coast en route to Seattle starting Tuesday morning. While here I've been able to take in some of the sights in San Diego, got my bike to San Diego Bike Shop where Mo, the owner, helped me out and got my bike tuned up and ready to go in just a few hours, and have been relaxing and hanging out with Corday. Overall, while short, it has been an awesome stay. The West Coast surely has it's pull and I'm already starting to see the reason...
All I can say at this point is what an amazing trip it has been so far. I've already met so many amazing and interesting people with such incredible stories. It's hard to believe that I still have 3 more cross country portions of this little beast of a trip left to do. I can't wait to see what they will bring!
Some Southern Tier Stats:
Total Days: 54 (including today)
On Bike Days: 41
Off Bike Days: 13 (including today)
Total Miles: 3,107
Avg. Miles Per Day: 75.8
Most Miles in a Day: 125 (2x)
Top Speed: 51 m.p.h
Highest Pass: 8,228 ft. (Emory Pass, NM)
States Crossed: 8 (Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, California)
Red Feather Off Road Market and Cafe, Ocotillo, CA
San Diego Bay
Sunset Cliffs, Point Loma, San Diego
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