A fun, 44 mile ride from Parker, past the Parker Dam and up to Lake Havasu City. Everyone was in good spirits as we left the hotel and rode over for a 6:15 breakfast at the Cross Roads Cafe. Just imagine, about 15 skinny cyclists in spandex stroll into this diner and proceed to double order everything on the menu. I'm sure the locals couldn't quite put it all together. Scary as it seems, a 44 mile ride in this heat now seems like a quick stroll in the park. Not surprisingly, Jeff (followed by Dave) still put his foot down on the climb out of Parker Dam - but the rest of us just let them go and I kept my heart rate below 130 for the entire ride. It's called active recovery.
Lake Havasu's claim to fame is that, in 1968, a local businessman bought the London Bridge (which was indeed falling down - sinking actually) and shipped it - stone by stone - to Lake Havasu. It's a very strange site, this old stone bridge in the middle of a desert town. Exciting - no, interesting - yes.
After arrival I chugged my recovery shake, did my laundry, spent $75 to upgrade to a "suite" (this is the Hampton Inn) overlooking the lake, then joined "the team" for lunch. We walked a half mile at most to the restaurant, but 106 degrees is friggin hot!
We have 3 more days of 80-105 miles in this heat, then we'll reach the Grand Canyon and our first rest day. After yesterday's ride, I just need to guard against getting cocky - stay within my limits and eat/drink everything that moves. Don't worry Sara, I don't think I've lost any weight yet. Time to watch Andy's game online, then off to dinner at Lake Havasu's finest restaurant.
Hey Austin. We all miss you back at the ranch. It sounds like you are really enjoying the big ride. How does it feel going through all the red states?
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