Today’s route includes a highly-anticipated state line crossing, which turns out to be a dud. We’ll have more on that in a moment, but first, let’s check those stats:
Start city: Calexico, CA
End city: Yuma, AZ
Miles: 65
Total miles to date: 200
Ride time: 4 hours, 10 minutes
Avg. speed: 15.5 mph
Feet climbed: 931
Fatigue factor: 6 (out of 10)
We leave Calexico with a tailwind, allowing us to make really good time for the first 25 miles. Today we ride with our Canadian friends Peter and Cathy, who we first met in France in 2001.
After the first rest stop, we head back onto Interstate 8.
They have just resurfaced this part and it is so smooth. Unfortunately, this does not last. Just before our lunch stop, we ride on what is described as the “second worst road in the world”. Lunch is at an interesting place.
The Center of the World–cult or granite worship? We still don’t know.
A very strange place. The road gets worse, and soon we are on the “worst road in the world”.
Our arms are burning as we try to keep the bikes upright. Finally, we approach Yuma and the Ocean to Ocean Highway Bridge, the first auto bridge over the Colorado River.
Welcome to Arizona! There is no sign. Oh well, maybe when we hit New Mexico we can turn around and see the Arizona state line. Historic downtown Yuma is quaint.
It’s laundry day and our clean clothing has been delivered. Laundry for forty anyone? Claim your clothing.
Before we go, a look at tonight’s menu. It’s Asian night–authentic and delicious!
Tomorrow: America’s salad bowl.
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Eve and Roger's Cycling Adventures 
Hoping for a nice welcome sign when you cross to New Mexico! 😉
Ouch!!! That road. Y’all are my heroes.
You guys are our motivation and inspiration. Would lov to join you on your next one!!!
I wonder if you had crossed into Arizona like “normal” people, that is… in a car… on Interstate 8… whether there would have been a nice big “Welcome” sign there? I’ve read this same comment in other blogs about other states — they must figure that only “the locals” use the backroads and they probably already know where they are!
If your seat was two feet taller, your view would be even better. I guess most stokers have this issue.
This is such a fantastic trip. At least from looking at the food menu it looks like you are getting some wonderful SaG support. The pictures yesterday of your tent looked like it was warm and cozy.
It will be interesting to see how the Wonderful State of Texas compares to the “worst roads in the world”.
We will let you know how those roads in west Texas are. Food is great!
Bet you went up Telegraph Pass out of Yuma which was another fun training ride for us. In those days we had our first Santana and much younger legs!
The next part of your adventure will be new territory to us, thanks for doing all the leg work as we get
to go along!
The Tandem Two’s Day team on Wednesday
(OK, OK the “circus bike” )
Bet you went up Telegraph Pass out of Yuma which was another fun training ride for us. In those days we had our first Santana and much younger legs!
The next part of your adventure will be new territory to us, thanks for doing all the leg work as we get to go along!
The Tandem Two’s Day team on Wednesday
(OK, OK the “circus bike” )
Slow down and Enjoy every think you encounter.its not a race. Be safe
Actually, we have spent lots of time at the attractions including 2 hours at Center of the World. This is just the speed we ride!
Thanks for reading!
Loving “following” you two! And so far, your words and pics are priceless. One quibble. When I click on where you are, so far it’s ” 0 mph”. Are ya’ll SURE you are riding?? (ha,ha….of course it’s after you’ve finished for the day – I think I actually saw some zzzzzzzz’s.) Looking forward to many more posts/pics/stories. Be safe, have fun!!!
Who needs the Sistine Chapel when we’ve got the Center of the World right here in the good ol’ USA? And Roger … it would be incomplete without Roger…. Those photos are making me LBOL (Look Bemused Out Loud)!