Day 3: Moreno Valley to Indio, CA

  https://give.michaeljfox.org/barbarasbigride

https://ridewithgps.com/trips/120454018

Today's Ride

The Stats

90 miles

2,182 ft. climbing

Milestones: Flying downhill past windmills, police escort, and first flat

Miles Completed: 174

Miles to Go: 3,222   

States Visited: 1 of 15

Feet Climbed: 5,187

The Ride

Another glorious SoCal day. Left Moreno Valley and headed to the desert. First part of the day involved a  long-but-not-too-steep 5-mile climb (it was about all the elevation we had today). Lovely vistas of snow-capped mountains, grazing cattle, and rock formations. Could've lived without the patches of road with (1) swarms of flies and (2) no shoulder, but otherwise great riding. Though I started out with a group, but lost the group after a brief stop, so resorted to my "California" playlist to keep me company and help me up the climb!

After the SAG stop (thanks for the PIES!), 

we traversed the Morongo Indian Reservation, where we had our own (totally adorable and out of central casting!) police escorts (that was the rule). I was humbled to learn that the "M"s I had seen on the mountainside for once had nothing to do with Michigan and were all about the Morongos!

After the reservation, we began what may have been my longest descent ever into and through Palm Springs. Having driven that road many times, I had no idea how much elevation you lose from I-10 going into town. I also got a full appreciation for why they put those windmills where they did -- at least the howling winds were at our backs! 

I did get my first flat, complete with a slashed tire, from going over who knows what. My timing was impeccable, however, as the support vehicle was just minutes behind me, and Dana and Paula came to the rescue to help change the flat (which I possibly could've done but given the howling winds I'm not quite sure) and provided a new tire (which I could not have done, as I didn't have an extra on me). Let's just say it would've been a far more frustrating day if they hadn't arrived when they did. 

After a brief lunch in Palm Springs at Tommy Bahamas (very tasty mahi mahi tacos), we finished out the last 25 miles in definitively desert heat -- but at least the wind was still at our backs and there really was no more climbing. Arrived in Indio by around 4, where I'm starting to figure out the post-ride routine. 

Dinner at the nearby Fantasy Springs Casino Resort (don't ask!) with some fellow riders from the UK, and soon to bed. I know during parts of the ride I had more profound thoughts about something, but I'm in a bit of a brain fog at the moment and I must get some rest! It's a long 97-mile day tomorrow, 92 of which will be on I-10. We're promised the shoulder is wide, the road recently repaved, and of course the wind will be at our backs!

The Route and Stats

Here's what Strava had to say about today (you can sign up for free and follow me at: https://www.strava.com/athletes/16400741)

Employee of the Day

So, since I'm an employment lawyer by training, and part of this journey is about interacting with people across the country, I'm going to try to recognize those people who did something special, had a great smile, or took the time to care. Today, it was the woman at the hotel in Moreno Valley who was responsible for preparing and/or organizing breakfast for our group. At 6 a.m., she greeted each rider with a smile, a wish for a good ride for the day, and the hope that we had everything we needed to fuel our day. She was smiling, exuded a positive vibe, and seemed to genuinely care that we were happy with what was served. For the record, the cheese omelets were excellent and there was peanut butter available to make mid-morning snacks -- all good in my book. Sadly, I already don't remember what chain the hotel was (and am too tired to look it up!) and more sadly, since I came up with this concept on today's ride, I neglected to make a note of her name. I'll try to do better tomorrow!