 DAY SIXTEEN: Border (Utah) to Delta and SpringvilleMiles: 88 (718) • Start elevation: 3900 ft. • Ending elevation: 5500 ft. • Temp. 104F
Breakfast consisted of trail mix and a Cliff Bar, but we wanted to get a decent start on the day. As we pulled away from the Utah/Nevada border we rode past the sign: "NO SERVICES NEXT 83 MILES"—a stark reminder of today's challenge. The weather forecast was calling for 105F degree temperatures, adding to the reality of our task. After just five miles or so—before we were really warmed up—a couple of guys in a work truck stopped by and asked us if we had enough water. At the moment we had plenty, but I jokingly asked them if they could come back this afternoon, perhaps 60 miles up the road! We all chuckled and we thanked them for stopping.
Friends are priceless. One of the reasons that I happy to be riding toward Salt Lake City is that I have some wonderful friends in the area—Bill and Sherry Cox, and their two children, Leora and Jaden. I figured that it would be about a two-day ride from Border to their home in Springville. Our goal today would be Delta, about 88 miles from Border.
One thing that I noticed this morning is that this western region of Utah is more barren and foreboding than any portion of Nevada—and that's saying something! And today happened to be one of the hottest days thus far. With that said, there were some beautiful rock formations, buttes, and canyons to break up the landscape.
It didn't take very long for those temperatures to heat up. By 9:00 we were feeling it, and it only got hotter as we proceeded. We had several climbs today, but it was the constant afternoon headwind, combined with the intense heat, that sapped our strength. At one point mid-afternoon we were painfully aware that we were both dangerously low on water. It's very hard to carry enough water for these conditions. I started the day with 180 ounces of water, including 3 water bottles (on the bike), my CamelBak, and water stored in the panniers. Paul was carrying even more. Even that amount isn't enough under these extreme conditions. Up ahead we could see an RV that was having mechanical difficulties. So we pulled over to see if we could help in any way. About the same time, a motorist also stopped to offer assistance. Meanwhile, we asked the driver of the RV is he could spare any drinking water, and he gladly offered to fill our bottles.
The sky had taken on a dark stormy character off to the north, but the good thing is that the wind reversed directions and was now pushing us at 25 mph! It was amazing as we really began to cover some ground. Of course, the cloud cover helped to lower the temperatures into the 90s, which was welcomed relief.
We pulled into the little village of Hinkley and made our way to the only gasoline station/convenience store and I downed several "Vitamin Waters". While sitting there the wind blew up with even more intensity. The store clerk (and owner) said that her husband was on his way here and was going to be driving over to Delta—only five miles away. She said that there was lots of road construction between Hinkley and there, and it might be dangerous on bikes. Paul and I looked at each other and similtaneously accepted her offer. Today had really drained both of us. It was long and hot and most of the day we fought the headwind. So I called my friends, Bill and Sherry, to see if it was at all possible for them to pick us up in Delta. Now, if you only knew these wonderful people&mdahs;they would never say "no". I realize that it was an imposition, and looking back, I wish I hadn't made that call.
So, we hitched a short ride into Deta, and before too long, Bill and Sherry, with Leora and Jaden, pulled up in their van. It was so great to see them. Warm hugs were exchanged by all. We managed to get our bikes and gear loaded, and told stories about our trip as we headed for their home in Springville. Thanks so much, guys!
You can view the photo album here. |
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