Oceanside, CA to Dana Point, CA After a few bowls of cereal, Tom and I set off on our ride, an extended version of his usual commute to work. I know he’s a racer and I can’t help pushing a tiny bit harder than usual. But mostly we cruise and talk, much of the ride…

Oceanside, CA We have a light breakfast then go to Carlsbad for the day. We walk the beach, watching the girls out jogging, which Tom and I enjoy. We taste the wines at the local winery, which Patti enjoys. I have a delicious Mahi Mahi burrito for lunch, and we all enjoy a marguerita. We…

San Diego, CA to Oceanside, CA No one is awake in the morning, so I go out and buy groceries, then go to breakfast. Bill is up when I get back, so I say goodbye. I get Russ up and thank him too, then ride away into fog and light rain. I set up camp…

San Diego, CA Bill is the only one up in the morning, so I invite him out to breakfast. I like Bill, but we’re both quiet and don’t have much in common to talk about anyway. He likes sports and music and holds a different low-paying job every time I’m here. This time he works…

Borrego Springs, CA to San Diego, CA I enter the house just as Julie is retiring to “the sauna” for the day. I give her a last tender hug. then I gather my things, pack up, and begin the climb out of Borrego Springs. My body is feeling particularly good and the wind is gentle.…

Borrego Springs, CA I sleep late for me, but Michael and Julie are still zonked. It gives me a chance to work on the computer for a while. It’s afternoon again when they rise. We chat and decide to go for a swim while daylight lasts. It’s less windy today which makes the pool more…

Salton City, CA to Borrego Springs, CA Another incredible sunrise. The wind has calmed down, and I watch in great comfort from my sleeping bag. Once I get going, the wind appears again. I don’t mind, since I’m in no hurry today. I have until this afternoon to make 30 miles to Borrego Springs. Soon…

Palo Verde, CA to Salton City, CA I awake to a neon sunrise. The sky is too pink, I’ll never be able to remember it. Again I’m climbing desert hills. I notice the cactus is far more sparse here. No Saguaros, only scattered Cholla. A light headwind makes me work and builds my appetite. I…

Hope, AZ to Palo Verde, CA I wake up alive, safe, and warm. No hurry to get up. I put the bike together and escape my cactus-strewn bed without a flat. Oh, the little cafes call to me for breakfast. I wonder how I could possibly eat without money. Beg? Wash dishes? Charm the snowbirds?…

Sun City West, AZ to Hope, AZ Vera and Hal clearly don’t want me to leave. I think I’m a welcome diversion for them, and a reminder of loving family, especially their son Tom. I see Harold fighting back tears as I pedal away. Into the warm air and flat desert I go. My left…