Frank’s Coast to Coast Ride for Justin – Day 5, April 30
Editors note: the following is shared from Frank Watson’s blog at: Frank’s Coast to Coast Ride for Justin
BLYTHE, Calif. – I have been both dreading and preparing for this leg of the trip for a long time. This stretch goes from the irrigated farm lands of the imperial valley through the sand dunes and continues into the desert.
The road is bordered on both sides by BLM federal land & there are no towns or services. Packing enough water is crucial. I launched at sunrise in an effort to abate the heat of the day. The ride started off amazingly, with a slight tailwind and 60 degree temps.
I made it to Glamis in the dunes that is home to thousands of off road riders on any given weekend. I felt so good I did the whole 30 miles non stop. As I continued up the road the tail wind turned into a quartering headwind.
The only place along the entire route is a Customs and Border Patrol check point 46 miles up the road. These guys are serious. Every vehicle is inspected with a German Shepard dog that is all business! The only thing he found was my stash of homemade beef jerky that my good buddy Jeff Pepper and his son Ben made for my trip … all three pounds of it! The dog refused a bribe of jerky and the ammused agents allowed me to rest along side their building.
After a 1/2 hour break & getting to witness an unfortunate couple have their entire Toyota disassembled as the dog was pretty positive he found drugs! Was getting scary so opted to leave.
I spent the next 30 miles watching 3 different thunderstorms develop and these storms caused me 2 weather delays, with no shelter! The last delay was about 4 miles out of Blythe and there was a small store with a rickety overhang I dove into. I went in and waited out the storm hanging with some locals. I really wish I had studied Spanish as I am sure that I was the butt of their amusement.
There is no way to hang with a group of Mexican farm workers drinking quarts of Colt 45s when your wearing spandex.
We said our goodbyes ( I think?) and I finished my ride into Blythe with 91 miles in & feeling like I could do 25 more. My butt and quads are starting to get into “biking shape” and that is a good feeling. I am now on the Az. Border but the only way across would be going out I-10.
My son, Garth did run out the interstate for 30 gut wrenching miles during his run across America in 2014 – I will opt to ride up the Colorado River tomorrow and cross at Parker Az. It’s about 30 miles longer but a hell of a lot saner! So that’s it. Going to miss riding the trials at White Rose tomorrow with my trials bud back in Pa but I’ll be back soon enough.
PS if there is no post tomorrow I am going to be entering some no cell phone area so standby and I’ll get it out ASAP
Remember to say a prayer to Justin, & please take time to go to the bone marrow registry site & sign up! Deletebloodcancer.org
Follow this journey on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/frankscoast2coast4justin
And on Instagram at:
coast2coast4mayorkline
Donations may be made by visiting:
https://www.gofundme.com/rideforjustin
For more background information on this effort see our earlier story at: Canton Man Riding Coast-to-Coast for Justin Kline
