Bankhead Springs, CA to Brawley, CA
Date: 01/04/2013
Distance traveled: 64.26 miles
GPS tracks: http://connect.garmin.com/activity/258037590
6% downhill grade for about 12 miles.
Somehow I’m exhausted today and having trouble writing salient thoughts. So, instead here are some random ones.
The reward for yesterday’s climb was a very long, very fast, and very fun downhill! I got up to 37 mph without pedaling. That’s what I call easy!
On the way to Jacumba first thing this morning, I came across this guy was skateboarding down the road. He jumped out of the car, put on his helmet, and took off. I got a video of him & I met them down the hill and snapped a pic of them.
“The Pharmacist”, “Mach 5” and the woman I don’t know.
I got up close and personal with the US/Mexico border fence. The border patrol is out in force in this area of CA.
The fence from a distance. There are definitely gaps – probably why the border patrol is so thick out there.
Just before the major downhill, after climbing up from Jacumba.
The majority of the ride was flat and kinda boring after the long long downhill. I grabbed a burger in Ocotillo, and then started pushing towards Brawley.
Lots of flat.
I did a little off roading through some field roads to make it a little less boring. It was fun. Reminded me of our off road adventures in Germany, except this time it was intentional.
In Brawley I got a hotel for the night… I need some really good sleep tonight. To my surprise Brawley is the home of the WORLDS BEST BURRITO at Johnny’s Burrito. No joke – the carne asada with guacamole & salsa was heaven. Good horchata, too. Only slightly more awesome is that Brawley is home to TWO 24 HOUR DOUGHNUT places… both within a 5 min walk from my hotel.
I may not leave tomorrow.
Dang, Kevin, you pulled this trip together in no time at all! Nice work, champ!
Looks like you are having a dandy time. You're making Andy and me super-duper jealous. :-)
Enjoy, kid. You are creating awesome memories that will last a lifetime!
Thanks, Sarah! Sorry I didn't get a chance to write you back before I left. Your advice was super useful when planning this trip. I'm looking forward to starting to use my camping gear… although I'm a little scared of the cold! :(
The worlds best burrito is five feet from the border with mexico… 0_o
Be sure to clean that chain after riding in the dirt. The first day of Selkirk we ended up in some sand and it really did a number on my chain over the week.
Still jealous :)
Don't be too jealous – it's a lil lonely out here. Thanks for the tip on the chain. Took care of that today. :)