19 October 1997 (hot!!! 97 degrees F; mileage = 54.1; Baker) -- X - We got
up nice and early from the Hot Springs campground. The Kiwis and I were in
total accordance about skipping the $6.50 fee. We were also advised to by a
foreign-sounding couple. It was damn cold. I had on my sweatshirt and
jacket and was freezing. We rode to a tiny general store that was closed
and had breakfast. I had applesauce, pineapple and grapefruit juice. We got
going and we chatted as we climbed a real long, shallow hill. We then had
an awesomely long, straight descent. Then we hit head winds. The chatting
stopped and I led 70% of the way into it. We stopped for lunch behind the
shade of a largish bush. Then more hard work. A rest near power lines. More
hard work. We finally cranked into Baker and the freeway. The freeway is
packed!! Wow! Even late at night. We went to a convenience store and all
got a pint of ice cream each. Ah. Then drinks. A bike touring couple were
in the motel and invited us in for showers. They had Bruce Gordon bikes.
They had toured New Zealand and the Kiwis liked talking to them. We then
went to a place called Del Taco -- like Taco Bell. Not bad. Then cruising
for a camp. There was a glass-strewn gravel lot for free truck and RV
parking. We set up in back behind some trees. Mike and I are out here
writing by the light of the world's tallest thermometer (76 degree F, by
the way). This place is pretty lame. The motel is called Bun Boy. There are
mosis. But it's been a fun day. Hard work, but good.
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