| Distance | 65.98 kms | 41.01 miles |
|---|---|---|
| Climbed | 230 meters | 755 feet |
| Ride time (hours) | 4.61 | - |
| Avg speed | 8.8 kph | - |
| Avg climb | 2% | - |
| Max grade | 7% | - |
| Distance | 27,701.40 kms | 17,212.60 miles |
|---|---|---|
| Climbed | 289,501 meters | 949,806 feet |
| Ride time (hours) | 1,964.85 | - |
Saturday, May 17th, 2014
What with the morning gunshots and the temperature inside the tent when the sun comes up I'm not sleeping in today. On my way back down the hill I hear a rattle and almost jump out of my shorts; yup it's a rattlesnake but he's lying still in a bush a good six feet away so no need to panic.
I'm into Vegas pretty quickly. I didn't realize I was so close. I stop at Denny's for badly needed liquids and breakfast. Water has been problematic for a long time, so much desert riding since Guadalajara, but now it's getting ridiculous. I went through eight liters yesterday plus a liter this morning yet I'm still dehydrated... and it's going to get worse before it gets better.
I've never been to Vegas before so I spend the day riding around to check it out. This place is strange; I feel like I'm in some kind of bizarre mix of Times Square, Cancun, New Orleans, and Disney World. Interesting in a freak-show kind of way but definitely not my kind of place. After I've seen the sights I ride to the southwest end of town to set myself up for tomorrow. I do a bunch of research for the days ahead, make an expedition to the supermarket for supplies, and reevaluate my gear. I need space to carry more water; the only stuff I have to give up is cold weather clothes. That's what goes on the chopping block... even though I know I will probably be missing it soon. When I'm done I've freed up enough space to carry about 12 liters in a more or less comfortable configuration, more if I start getting crazy with strapping bottles all over the place like I did in South America.
