Cycling Experiences…

Mr. Giraldo has posted this message in his blog:

July 9, 2009

Dear Reader:

The past three days have been challenging. The warnings of the Adventure Cycling Association Maps have been right on target, every time. Riding through this part of Utah without the knowledge provided by these maps could be life threatening. The maps caution:

This section of the Western Express Route is considered very difficult due not only to terrain (grades from 6% to 14% in Utah), but also due to lack of water, temperature extremes, and long mileages without services. In most cases there are no homes or ranches between services. Carrying a water purifier is strongly advised.

A word of advice: If you are ever going to make a journey such as this, please prepare well in advance. Do your homework and do not take unnecessary chances.

The heat on day 32 was unbearable and dangerous. As I crossed the Colorado River, I took a photograph of my UV monitor. To both my amazement and concern, the temperature on the screen was showing at 119.8 degrees Fahrenheit. At this extreme temperature heatstroke was a real possibility. Fortunately, I had prepared ahead and had sufficient water and the shade provided by the Veltop canopy. Had I made a mistake and had Murphy’s Law applied, the story would most certainly be different.

On day 33, after having gone through the experience of the previous day, I was up and riding before the sun was out. I knew that I had to minimize heat exposure. For the next 74 miles I would not find any water and the terrain grade was all up hill. This day Murphy’s Law would apply. As I left Lake Powell and made my way to Blanding, I noticed that the blue internal lining of my front right tire was starting to show. For this journey I had not purchased ordinary tires. I had bought the best, Schwable Marathon Plus. Several hours into the ride the lining started to show more and more. My concerned was heightened when I realized that I had depleted 4 liters of water and had only 2 remaining in my second Camelbak. I had to keep hydrated and had been drinking continuously as the heat of the day had climbed beyond 112 degrees Fahrenheit. It was evident that I would run out of water before reaching my destination and now my tire problems could get me stranded in the worst possible location, under dangerous conditions. The thought of risking heatstroke seriously concerned me. This was not a time for miscalculate heroics. Rational thought had to apply. As a result, Destiny and I hitched a 35-mile ride on the back of a truck to the town of Blanding. For those of you that are tracking me: On spot Finder, you will see a jump from the Natural Bridges Monument area all the way to Blanding

As soon as I arrived to town, I got straight to the task of getting a replacement tire. Josh Beatty, from Atlantic Bicycles suggested the temporary solution of purchasing a 20" BMX tire that could be bought at the local Wal-Mart. I have purchased 2 ea 20" BMX tires and will spend time this mourning mounting the new tires.

But, my concerns are not over. From the comments I have read in BROL, I am now very surprised with the poor performance of my tire. Some have mentioned that these tires should last at the very least 3,000 miles. In non-technical terms, there must be something very wrong with the alignment that is forcing the tire to wear-out prematurely. I have to get this looked at, ASAP. Today I will need to spend time solving my problems. I will keep you posted on new developments.

New photography has been uploaded:

- July 6 – Day 31 -  Torrey, UT to Hanksville, UT

- July 7 – Day 32 -  Hanksville, UT to Lake Powell, UT

- July 8 – Day 33 -  Lake Powell, UT to Blanding, UT

As always, thank you for your prayers and all your support.

Regards,

Rafael Giraldo