Living in Low Gears and Low Temps: Day 2 of Cycling Baja California

Day 2: Into the Land of Doubt and Despair

Day 2 was without a doubt one of the most difficult days of effort of my life. To put it in perspective, over the course of nearly 9 hours of either riding the bike, pushing the bike, or resting, I only made it 20 miles. You can do the math. It's not good and it's real slow. A nice and easy downhill to start funneled me into an ancient river bed where the ground below me was either sand or jagged rock. What was initially flat-ish riding turned into steep climbs (talking 10-14% gradient. That's pretty steep). I was constantly dismounting the bike and pushing it up these climbs as I made my way into the mountains and into higher elevation. While I was not pleased with how much time I spent pushing, I resolved to carry on. After what was a pleasant but small descent into some wide open ranch land, I soon had to contend with another climb up a mountain. This climb was 3 miles long and ascended over 1600 ft. I was hot and already exhausted from pushing the bike, and it was at this point that doubt began creeping into my mind. What was I doing here? When I couldn't pedal any more I pushed the bike up the mountain, counting out steps of 100, taking a break, and then repeating. I think I probably spent an hour and a half pushing the bike and admittedly feeling a bit sorry for myself. All hardships have their end, and eventually I made the summit and began another small descent that eventually led me to a campsite run by a miracle worker named Pete. He was from Baja and knew the trails intimately, and in retirement had set up a camp and cafe for weary bikers who had just finished a hard day. I was extremely grateful as I set up my tent, feeling exhausted but proud of pushing through the doubts of the day.

After a below freezing night in which it felt like my toes were going to fall off (even with three pairs of socks on), I ate a great chicharrones burrito prepared by Pete, ready to tackle the day ahead.

Me, in despair mode

Pete and I before I departed

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