Hills, climbs, fractured ankle, and bum knee

Don't worry folks!! The fractured ankle isn't mine! Unfortunately, day one did result in a serious injury to one of our cyclists, who had a tib/fib break right above the ankle. He underwent surgery yesterday and will be stuck in California for 2 weeks with his wife, and they won't continue on the tour. However, over the past 2 days we have had no more serious injuries, and a lot of flats. 22 yesterday to be exact. Thankfully, none of them were mine! (knock on wood), but our riding member Laura got one, which was quickly remedied.

Laura and George, ("hor-hay"), fixing Laura's flat

Well, lets start at the beginning. Day one heading for the Redlands was a beautiful day heading down the bike path out of Orange County. With a bit of rain to start the day off, we ended in great sunshine (maybe a bit much for my un-sunscreened skin). But we all felt very accomplished. I had a great riding group of 4 girls and 1 guy from the tour, and we have promptly been named "Zack's Angels" following the "Charlie's angels" pose at our tire dipping ceremony.

Day two proved to be very interesting. We started at 7am with a 700m ascent in what seemed to be a very short time. Those hills felt MASSIVE and there were moments when I felt a little worn down. However, the rest of the day was an amazing downhill ride. Reaching speeds of 60km/h without pedaling, we coasted for almost 20km. The day felt pretty amazing. Until about 11:30am hit and the heat became unbearable. In the middle of the California desert, the heat we encountered spiked above 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Riding in the heat of the day, which is worst between 2 and 3 pm we arrived at camp just before 3. To be honest, I thought I might pass out. The heat was wayyyy more than I anticipated, and everyone was feeling it that day. However, the scenery was beautiful and God blessed us with a beautiful desert stop for the night, fully equipped with a pool. It was so hot, we just went in with our biking gear on. Anything to cool down! Luckily we were also allowed to sleep in the gym. However, it NEVER got cold. In fact, by bedtime (8:30pm) it was hotter in there than outside, so some of us adventurous types slept under the stars. So wonderful.

Unfortunately my left knee started acting up yesterday and was bugging me on and off all day. I got the physiotherapist on the trip to check it out, and he thinks it might be tendonitis, so I am on a remedy of ice and anti-inflammatory since rest isn't going to happen for the next 58 days. Having said that, prayers for my knees would be greatly appreciated! Hopefully they don't get worse, and maybe even the problem goes away.

This morning, day 3 in the desert, we began riding at 6am, leaving earlier to beat the heat. Although my knees were bugging me I was able to make it through the day. We had a good climb today on a 2% grade for about 30 miles.

Again, such beautiful scenery accented by old mattresses dumped in the desert. A hotter day than yesterday, (and not the worst of it to come), we made excellent time, had some ice cream on the way which was delicious and well worth the climb.

We got into camp by 12:22 pm - a beautiful country club in the desert!. Again, we had a pool, as well as a lake! Soooo amazing. I think we're getting spoiled and every stop after this is going to seem terrible...

But tonight we actually get to sleep in a center with AC, so we're all packed in here like sardines. :) It will be an interesting night sharing a room with 40 other people, but the cold air is worth it.

3 days in the desert and we have made it. Keep us in your prayers as we continue on this week, hit more hills, and encounter more climbs.  Oh. And here is a picture of the new bike :)