As we leave Ashland and Oregon behind (photo on left above) we do it uphill, a 13 mile climb of 2,500 feet. Our route sheet calls this a “nice shady climb”: shady it is, but a 9% grade is never nice. But the grade eventually mellows and it is a beautiful, tree covered climb. But when we get to the top (photo on right above) we see desolate landscape. HERE IS THE ROUTE.
At mile 18 we are “Welcomed to California.” We spend 7 or 8 miles on the shoulder on Interstate 5 but it’s downhill and there is a wide shoulder. Just before we exit we pass through a Fruit Inspection Station but I’m waived on and don’t have to stop.
The desolation continues or gets worse. There is no shade and it’s hot. ‘Feels like 100 although it’s only 80. ‘Guess I can’t complain too much since it’s 104 degrees in Dallas today. Even Mt Shasta seems desolate in this environment.
When you’re in the road you often don’t know the date or day; sometimes you even forget the year. So it was somewhat a surprise to learn at happy hour last night that Labor Day weekend begins today. This impacts where we could get lodging, the routes, traffic and even which restaurants we can book. Maybe that’s why the next three days are fairly easy. Whatever the reason, I’m ready.
This was ride day 12; the trip is half over. So far we’ve ridden 730 miles and climbed 41,439 feet. That’s a daily average of 61 miles and 3,453 feet of climbing. No wonder my legs are tired.
Miles today = 47, Elevation gain = 3,747. Total miles = 730, Tot Elevation gain = 41,439
Beautiful torture!
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