The digital camera did a better job of capturing the sunset colors.
(John Henry Maurice) In just a minute or two, Gary will achieve Time Station 2 in Brawly. Crew Chief Kevin reports that Gary is riding very well and is looking strong. The current air temperature is 94 degrees F. with just 18% humidity.
(Crew chief update) Gary reached Brawley, CA, Time Station 2 at 9:47 RAAM time (EDT/24 hour) He had ridden 145 miles and had achieved a 14.89 mph race average. With over 5500 feet of elevation loss and 2600 ft of climbing this mostly downhill leg would be our fastest time station leg with a TS-TS avg of 15.53 mph. We would never see a 15 mph avg again during RAW. He continued to fall farther behind our 72 hour virtual racer. Gary had created a time station prediction table based on his calculated strengths and weaknesses. He was still ahead of that prediction, but was losing ground.
While this concerned me, it was still early in the race and I knew that things could change for the better, or worse, before it was over.
(John Henry Maurice) Well, the desert did not disappoint. Crew Chief Kevin reports that the temperature at Borrego Springs was 105 degrees! The crew stopped and picked up a treat for Gary, a Mango Juice bar. Just what a hot, hard working Gary needed! The cooling effect of a frozen treat in the stomach, as well as a few quick acting calories took Gary to the end of daylight.
The next leg takes Gary to Blythe, Ca. and is just short of 90 miles. But the air temperature should be much cooler and this leg has the least amount of climbing of the entire Race Across the West route. In addition, Gary will be just 20 miles from Mexico and will pass through a US Border Patrol Inspection Station just after summiting the only significant climb of the leg.
(Crew chief update) Gary reached TS 3, Blythe (234 miles total) at 15:47 RAAM time. Prior to the race Gary expressed reservations about rolling hand offs. He had not done a solo ultra and in the crew chief's opinion was underestimating the importance of keeping the bike moving. The crew did manage to get him to accept some out the window support. Our rookie crew was a bit sloppy in the execution of this maneuver, but we did manage to show that it could be done.
(John Henry Maurice) After Blythe, Gary crosses into Arizona by crossing the Colorado River. This leg ends in Parker, Az. and is a 52 mile long with little climbing. Gary should see the sun rise as he pedals toward Parker.
(crew chief update) Gary did indeed see the sunrise. It was a comfortable 69 degrees.
We attempted to get an interview but found that a wireless mic would have been most beneficial. Take my word for it, Gary was in reasonably good spirits, and glad to see daylight.
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