CA to AZ
Check out the article in today’s DailyCamera
So for the past few days I’ve been debating my route, go north on the RAAM route and head into the huge mtns or head south and skip the hills but stay in the intense heat. I made the decision to go south, I can deal with melting in the sun, but not climbing mtns AND melting, double whammy!
I rode Inerstate 10 all the way to Scottsdale from the border, it was a bit sketchy because as I got onto the on ramp, a sign cleary said, “No bicycles” It actually said something to the effect of no vehicles without motors…and I say I have a motor, my legs!
Interstates aren’t all the bad actually, the shoulders are wide, leaving about 10 feet of space between me and the truck drivers. And truck drivers are cool by the way. Everytime I pull into a rest stop, they all come out to check out my rig, we have a brotherhood, we’re all toughing it out on the same hot roads.
I camped last night off the side of a highway at a rest stop, I hid my tent behind some trees and fell fast asleep to the soothing sounds of traffic in the distance. And you won’t believe this, but I awoke to the sound of rain drops on my tent, not many, maybe about 4 drops total, but it was rain! The rest of the day was cool (96 degress) and overcast, a nice day to ride a bike in southern Arizona.
I’ve eaten a lot of bean burritos so far, probably about 10 in the last six days. And two of them were free, bought for my by some nice folks I’ve met at different cafe’s. Bean power is the secret my friends! It’s the magical fruit!
My butt is really sore now, I rode 110 miles and was sitting on my saddle for 9 hours, the Duzer bootie needs a rest, and that’s just what I’m gonna do, I’m not going anywhere today. I’m just gonna enjoy time with my childhood friend Matt and get cozy in his daughter’s pink princess bed 
Hey Ryan,
T.J. here in Boulder, (Remember T.J. and Jules!) Hopefully you have a front brake, or a handbrake for going down the big mountians. Your bike will need some overhauling after 1800 miles. don't blow up that 3-speed hub in the middle of nowhere. Anyway, Are you coming through Colorado??? When??? Best of luck dude, am am way impressed and would love to ride with you. Contact me through facebook, I will confirm you as a friend.
Keep the rubberside down, Happy Thursday, and the really cute girls are way impressed with your trip! You will have no problem with places to stay and crazy stories!
Tim Johns (T.J.)
Boulder, Co
zephyr43@gmail.com