USA 2014

Dave's 191 Day, 10,000 Mile, North American Cycling Odyssey Documented by Daily Posts.

Day 24: Sanderson

Here we see Cindy (on the ICE Trike) with new super puncture resistance tyres, which replaced the previous set following 6 punctures. So, given that her stead has three wheels she and I

Day 23: Marathon

A great cycle ride today. V. cold start, the temp was 32°f at 8 am, but rose to 50°f by 9 am and 80°f in the afternoon. At Alpine visited

Day 22: Fort Davis (Rest Day)

Rest day that started with some much needed bike maintenance: the locking nut of the cassette was not tightened enough by the bike mechanic in El Centro so had worked loose resulting in

Day 21: Fort Davis

92 mile cycle and 1443m of ascent. Saw some rain today off in the distance in the direction we were travelling but, fortunately, it did not rain on me. So the day has

Day 20: Van Horn

75 mile cycle today. Passed through McNary. It is dead. McNary Also passed pretty close to the Mexican Border. Looking towards Mexico. Cycled on I10 (motorway), which also required a check by the

Day 19: Fort Hankock

Just when you think you've turned the corner and all is good with the world, you find yourself riding along a long straight road of nothingness into a headwind of 15

Day 18: El Paso

Yesturday was fierce headwinds, punctures, cooking for 15 and sleeping in a tent. Today it was joyous tailwinds, no punctures (even though I found a goathead thorn in my front tyre!), dining in

Day 17: Las Cruces

After two days of great cycling I'd have to say today's was poor. Fierce winds all day and this time it appeared as though it was in your face

Day 16: Caballo State Park

Oh no, it's the first of April, back to work six months from today! Ooh was it cold this morning. At 6.30am the temperature was at zero C. Cycled over

Day 15: Mimbres

Today was the best day of riding so far this tour. The first half reminded me of cycling in the Alps. The second was a gentle climb to the second crosing of the

Day 14: Rest Day in Silver City

Finally managed to get the stats page updated and online. Yesterday evening we (Cindy, Molly, Cathy, Keith and I) had an outstanding dinner in The Curious Kumquat. Rob, the owner and chef goes

Day 13: Silver City

Today I had a second puncture in my rear wheel and lost the wee plug that goes into the end of the left hand side of the handlebar. Fortunately the guy in the

Day 12: Buckhorn

A pretty tough day on the bike. Ran out of energy on the big climb of the day. So stuffed my face with pretzels and coke cola. Shortly thereafter the sugar and salt

Day 11: Stafford

So a typical riding day starts between 6 and 6.30 am, which I would normally regard as stupid o'clock! Coffee is ready at 6.30am and breakfast officially commences at

Day 10: Globe

In Globe and not a thespian in sight. A bike my kingdom for a bike. Good ride but, umfortunately, the interesting part had to be traversed in the van because of roadworks. Panic

Day 9: Tempe (Rest day)

Breakfasted at Matt's Big Breakfast. Had Egg and Bacon Sandwich, and very good it was too. Then it was off to watch the game at the Rose and Crown. United lost,

Day 8: Days Inn, Tempe

Today was supposed to be a 70 mile decent into Tempe, but again it was effectively a false flat. Talking of flats I got my first puncture today whilst riding on the Canal

Day 6: La Paz County Centenial Park

Easy day of cycling today. Passed through Hope today. Stopped in Salome at Don's Cactus Bar where the milkshakes were supposed to be good. Had chocolate variety and was some what

Day 5: Quartzite

Easy ride from Palo Verde to B10 campsite, Quartzite. Stopped at Courtsey Coffee Shop and had great bacon and cheese omelette and coffee (recommended). Also crossed into Arizona (The Grand Canyon State, or

Day 3: Brawley

No cycling today (Wednesday 19th March). However, got to witness a day in the life of a tour leader, as I helped to de-camp; rode shotgun in the van; and set up camp

Day 2: Disaster!

Today's cycle was prematurely ended following a rear wheel failure. This occured some 12 miles before the end of the ride. Fortunately, Sue, one of our leaders, rescued me, and transported