Days 30 and 31 Not a lot of riding, due to extreme heat! 7-14&15-18

Riding around Needles by bike, Needles, CA to Victorville, CA by truck

Yesterday was an absolutely brutal day, with the high temperature at 114 degrees.  We decided to stay an extra day in Needles, and spent the day Kayaking (Shannon and I), tubing (Debi and Addy), and lounging in the river (Kelly).  For those who have never been in a kayak before, it should be noted that it is much easier to go with the current than against it.  You would think after being in a kayak several times previously Shannon and I would have this figured out by now. You would be wrong.  We spent the last half of the time in the kayaks struggling to get back to our campground against the strong current.

Today I slept in a bit, and decided to ride around Needles, as there was nothing but vast desert between Needles and Victorville.  I rode for 22 miles, and at 11:30 am, when I finished my ride, it was already 104 degrees.  Needless to say, Needles is a bit on the warm side.  We packed up, and hit the road.  There were miles and miles of completely uninhabited desert all around us, and by the time we found the first gas station/Dairy Queen combo, there were people everywhere.  We grabbed a quick bite, and jumped back in the truck.  We eventually made it to Victorville, and set up Mack the Silverback.  Shannon, Kelly and I walked to dinner, and now we are ready for sleep.

I can't believe the ride is almost over!  After just over a month, the end is in sight.  I still feel extremely guilty that I haven't been able to ride the entire Route 66, but I guess there's always next year, right?  Who wants to come with me/us next year?

Miles on the bike today:  22.0

Total miles on the bike:  1,567.7