In the spirit of my friend Jeff Farmer, I will also make a trip summary. This includes ride stats and a collection of lists for your amusement, as well as mine. Enjoy, and thanks for staying tuned. Cheers.
Top Five Moments (aside from Start/Finish):
5. The day I crossed the Mississippi River *Day 13*
The emotions I experienced that day were strong, as this was my first real physical landmark of progress. It was also special as the bridge was new and empty. I felt a wave of pride rush through me as I continued my march west.
4. The coldest day (19 degrees in Florida) *Day 8*
I really did not want to leave this day. The Hills were too kind to let me stay an extra night with them, and when I woke up it was 19 degrees with ice in the driveway. With four layers on (including long johns) I made my way to Pensacola, with a high of 37.
3. Climbing mountains in Globe and Superior *Day 38*
This day was the most physically demanding of Kyle To Cal. With grades of 8-9% and constant climbing, it took 3 hours to cover 20 miles (Globe to Superior). But after that, it was all (mostly) downhill to the Valley of the Sun. Going through Gonzales Pass into Phoenix was euphoric and certainly memorable.
2. Overcoming a broken spoke in the California desert, saved by a highway patrolman and finishing the 110 miles in my first day in California. *Day 42*
This day truly humbled me, the kindness of strangers who were set on getting me to the Pacific shore. They were my supporting cast, and I will be forever grateful. My longest day of the trip, I rode 3 hours in the pitch black to get to 29 Palms by 9 p.m.
1. Overcoming 3 flat tires to finish my first century ride in Texas (107 miles) *Day 27*
The sheer mental strength this took to complete impressed me and several others. It truly embodies the spirit of this trip: determination, perseverance, and brutal grit. I wanted to collapse, toss the trip to Hell. But I knew California wasn't going to come to me. I was going to finish that damn ride, all 107 miles of it.
Top Five Cities/Towns:
5. La Mesilla, NM (Charm and history define this desert gem).
4. Austin, TX (A weird, funky music town).
3. Huntsville, TX (Sam Houston State University is the most beautiful campus I have ever been to).
2. El Paso (Erica was a fantastic host, made me fall in love with EP).
1. Fredericksburg (The biggest surprise of the trip, in the heart of Texas Wine Country).
Awards to each state:
Fl: Best roads
Al: Most difficult to navigate
Ms: Least cycling friendly (dogs chasing me, aggressive drivers, terrible roads).
La: Worst condition roads (pot holes, rumble strips).
Tx: Best towns, roughest roads (debris)
Nm: Most scenic road (Highway 28)
Az: Most beautiful state (mountains, desert, insane beauty)
Ca: Best weather
Ride stats:
Total days: 46; 40 riding and 6 rest
4,634 highest elevation (near Superior, AZ)
2,695 miles
210 hours on the bike
157k calories burned
67 miles/day
Flats: 6
Broken spokes: 1
Dogs that chased me: several, estimate 90
Misc stats:
Coldest day: 19 degrees, Niceville Fl
Hottest day: 85 + degrees, Fort Stockton, Tx
Most demanding: Globe to Tempe
Least demanding: Mobile to Theodore (30 miles, scenic and relaxing).
Most stressful: Ozona to Fort Stockton (three flat tires on 107 mile day).
Best hotel: America's Best Value Inn, Junction TX.
Worst hotel: Motel 6, Gulfport MS.
Longest days:
5. Blountstown to Niceville, FL (90 miles) *Day 6*
4. Opelousas to DeRidder, LA (91 miles) *Day 16*
3. Bogalusa to Jackson, LA (92 miles) *Day 13*
2. Ozona to Fort Stockton, TX (107 miles) *Day 27*
1. Parker, AZ to 29 Palms, CA (110 miles) *Day 42*
