Heat

Today was almost 100 degrees as I continued toward Davis. On several occaisions I had to pull over to rest and escape the blazing heat. Although I consumed at least two gallons of water throughout the day, my lasting headache was a sign of heat exhaustion and I realized my salt intake had been very low.

As I rested, cars would occaisionally stop to see if I was ok. I knew I was so I thanked them for stopping as I continued to sip warm water from my bottles. A quick dip in Lake Solano rejuvinated me although I tried not to ponder why no one else was swimming.

Eventually I pulled into Davis and stayed with a good friend from high school. We had the chance to catch up while taking a tour of her garden and later sampled her yummy watermelon "salad." Her husband served me potato chips with lime juice and hot sauce (a new favorite of mine) and gave me a tour of his high tech music studio. I ended the evening early cuddling up with their two adorable cats and hoping I would be ready to ride on Sunday.

Bonfired up!

I watched Thursday's sunset alone from the Cliffhouse. It was a brief moment of meditation after a frenzied month of anticipation and preparation. The microplanning of my last two weeks was precisely what this upcoming ride is supposed to avoid.

As I approached Fulton on what will be my home for the next two months, I immediately heard some tunes (thanks A), spotted my supporters, and smelled bottomless vegan tamales (courtesy Bernardo's) next to a raging bonfire. I felt the calmness that only true friendships can provide before the storm of emotion that accomanies long-distance cycling.

Sausalito was the next stop to crash with homeboy O. Hospitable as always, he fired up some tea and we dreamed about where our upcoming months will take us.