Miles completed: 80.1
Cumulative miles: 320.8
Miles to St Augustine: 2,770
We started the day near Palo Verde, CA at Tamarisk Mobile Home Park and Campground. As usual, we camped in our tents last night, but the campground bathrooms and showers were horrendous. Our tour group rated it zero stars, because we don’t know how to make a negative star. Do not ever go near that place.
Before we started riding, I noticed a small cut in my rear tire. I asked Mark to take a look. Mark knows a lot about bikes and other things too! He said it wasn’t deep into the core, so he recommended putting crazy glue on it. I got some crazy glue out of the trailer and did a quick patch job. The tire held all day and hopefully a long time!
The ride went north to Blythe, CA where we crossed the Colorado River on a bike lane on I-10. We were now in Arizona!!! One state down. Also, after today’s ride we are over 10% of the way across the United States.
In Arizona, we rode two segments on I-10. I stopped at the I-10 Rest Area and it is very nice. You can go near that place.
Lots of people ask us where we’re going and they’re always impressed when we say St Augustine. At the rest area, I met Carlos, and he said a prayer with me for all our riders. Very cool.
Today’s ride was the hardest so far. We rode 80 miles to Solame, AZ. We also climbed 3 hills with elevation gain of 2,695 feet. It was also hot with a small headwind that added to the difficulty.
With about 20 miles left in the ride, I met up with Dana at Buckaroo’s Country Store where we got water and Gatorade. Dana was having trouble with his rear wheel on his recumbent. I rode behind Dana the last 20 miles in case he needed help which he did not. Dana thanked me at camp with a beer!
Near the end of the ride, I passed an RV park with a church called The Little House of Hope. I then passed the sign in the picture below. I hope it’s not a premonition!
Tom's Excellent Adventure 
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