Miscalculating- estimated today’s distance based on Google(33 miles) but rode the ACA route (53 miles)

Yuma to Wellton 

Today was spectacular in so many ways, even my estimation of the distance (wrong can still be spectacular). 

We departed Yuma about 9am with temperatures in the high 70s.  We crossed the Colorado river and worked our way northeast from Yuma.  We saw many large irrigation systems watering plants in the desert, we could feel the humidity as we cycled by.  The roads were mostly smooth and very low traffic (and very cycling friendly).  We came across date pickers and Jim and I watched and photographed them (gopro video to follow).  They use what looks like a bucket truck that has 3/4 a circle with 5 folks on it.  They raise this up to the dates and hand pick them 10 to 30 feet in the air.  Very cool to see!

We cycled by many more date farms and then on to Luguna Dam where we stopped for a snack.  A nice couple out fishing offers us cold beer and water, Jim and I accepted the water.  I am always blessed and amazed by the kindness of strangers.  Next up was the Yuma Proving Ground Army base.  This is a huge complex that we went around and through (military road opened to the public, patrolled by MPs).  It was about here where we figured out the correct distance ☹️.  Jim went to the gate and refilled has water.  It was also about this time we were heading back south and a storm was blowing in from the southwest at 15-20mph, some words were used…. We crept along into the wind and light rain until the wind picked up and we saw lightning.  Jim made a good call to stop at a house.  I knocked on the door and was offered water and a place in their barn to hide from the storm.  The wind died down and we were able to continue to Wellton a few minutes later.  We found the Penguin Bar and Grill and had a beer and nice meal outside.  A spectacular end to a spectacular day.


Check out my ride on Strava.
https://strava.app.link/5tC1bZcwPjb