400 km Ride Report, March 11, 2006

From: Mike Sturgill
Subject: I survived!

The subject [line] pretty much says it all. That was by far the worst conditions I've ever experienced on a bike. It had it all. 130 miles of demoralizing 30 mph head winds, while in the rain and sleet, of course. And just when I was looking forward to the tail wind sending me back north, the heavy rains came... to stay. The trip back to Marana was "reasonable" since the tailwinds were helping me along. There was a quick reprieve from the rains in Marana and I was hoping they'd stay away for the duration. However, Mother Nature was apparently in no mood for happy thoughts. About 5 miles north on Marana on the access road (about when it got dark for me), the skies opened up in a deluge! It was a frigidly cold rain with sleet slamming me in the face so hard it was hurting. And for good measure, the tailwind I had enjoyed coming north shifted with this cloud burst and offered me a direct headwind again! This was totally unfair! My speed went from 23 mph back to 13 mph. Ug.

At this point I was just hoping to survive long enough to make it back. It was also at this point that the temperatures dropped to about 40 degrees and I was drenched to the core. Slowly, my hands and feet became more and more cold. I stopped at DQ, but they were closed, so I continued. During this stretch, my hands were extremely cold. This, coupled with the cold air made it impossible for me to get a drink from my water bottle with one hand. I couldn't squeeze the bottle while riding. So, I had to literally stop so that I could use 2 hands to squeeze the water bottle. This was another new experience for me. I finally made it to the Circle K about 14 miles east of CG to warm up. The girl behind the counter was (understandably) dumbfounded when I walked in. She looked at me with that "you're really stupid" look and asked "are you out riding your bike in this?" What could I say, I felt pretty stupid myself. After about 5 minutes of blowing on my soaked hands to get some feeling back in them, I headed out for what was the longest 14 miles of my life. Finally, after what seemed like 3 days, I saw the lights of CG. I've never been so happy to see a ride come to an end. I survived!

I pulled into the lot and looked around for you at about 9:50. Then I went to my truck which was in water all the way to the rear wheels. I pulled the truck over to the wall so I could change out of my wet, cold clothes. I finally managed to get changed and get in the truck, but still shivered all the way home, even with the heat as high as it would go. I feel pretty good today, mostly just sleepy. I also have one finger which is slightly numb, but not too bad.

-Mike

P.S. Have you looked at the mountains to the north? They are TOTALLY snow covered. I think this is the most spectacular sight I've ever seen in Arizona. It's amazing!