First Ride

Well the high winds were still with us in Death Valley today.  It was the common theme no matter where we went.  After catching breakfast we all got together for our first ride before the camp started.  We were all itching to take a ride even if it was short.  Since the winds would be a factor, we rode out right into the headwinds.  We decided it would be better to fight the wind in the beginning and then ride in it on the way back.  Although the winds were hard, it was fantastic riding on such great pavement.  Not a pot hole or road side garbage in sight.  Why can't I have roads like this back home.  Oh that's right, we have a think called snow.  Well it was nice for a chance not to have to ride in that.  Anyway, we road out on a great road and took in the views.  

One thing I do have to remember is to use sunscreen which I forgot to wear.  I was lucky that it wasn't too hot and that we weren't out for long.  Even in the 60s, you could feel the heat.  I will definitely not make this mistake tomorrow.

I love the mini hills in the road.

Taking a quick break.

Another pose while taking in the views.

What more can I say but a great road

Most people think of sand when they picture the desert, but in Death Valley, only 1% of the park has sand.  We checked this out when we went out to the Mesquite Sand Dunes where you could watch how the dunes are formed by the wind.  Hard to imagine anything can live out there.  But there is plenty of brush and trees spread out between the dunes that there must be water somewhere.   Jason even had a chance to fly his stunt kite.  He usually does a lot of kite flying at Edgewater Park so it was a rare opportunity to do it here.

Jason flew one of his stunt kites in the sand dunes.

Footprints in the sand.

Dead tree in the dunes

Angie and Pam taking in the dunes

So far I have met a number of nice people and the camp hasn't begun.  Yesterday I met Georgiana and Grayson.  Today I met, Jill, Tim, Chris and Karen.  All of them are repeat riders like Pam and Dave.  All of them older then me but so inspiring since they are here to be out on their bikes.  Every time I ride, I am continually inspired that there are people still riding at ages when others have long given up.  I want to be like all of them as I get older.

Grayson going out for a spin

Well wish me well for tomorrow for we ride on Artists Drive which is a one way road.  I am told there is quite a climb out there so this will be my first taste of riding hills here.  It should be warmer and the forecast predicts winds of 3 mph which will be perfect. This will also be the first day of the camp where we get to meet everyone.  Can't wait to get back on the road again.  Until tomorrow...