| There are only a couple of bike routes doable from | | | | just before you get there you will take Old Hwy 80 |
| San Diego CA to Yuma AZ and they are indeed | | | | about 10 more miles, which then connects to I-8 for a |
| challenging, especially consider the mountain pass. You | | | | bit for about 10 miles over the 4,000 foot pass, that is |
| go from Sea Level to just over 4,000 feet in elevation. | | | | one heck of a climb indeed. Next you will get off on |
| It is a wicked ride with lots of hills and heat. Often there | | | | Hwy 98 and take that to Calexico about 38 miles, but |
| are severe crosswinds and you get rather | | | | it is most all down hill and refreshing, well considering |
| sandblasted on a bicycle. The route is a little tricky for | | | | the dusty desert and winds. But you are now on the |
| the first 22 miles, but may I suggest you start out at | | | | flats and you can make a good clip across the |
| the Hotel Del Coronado to help work you into the | | | | desert.After Calexico you ride another easy, but rather |
| route. The wind along the Pacific is brisk and always | | | | boring 20 more miles to Evan Hewes Hwy, which is |
| blowing.Now then starting from the Hotel Del you travel | | | | like a frontage road for awhile and then you will come |
| down Hwy 75 south about 9-miles and a beautiful ride | | | | to the 186 Hwy and go North to Araz Junction and |
| with the wind at your back. This will be the last of the | | | | follow Araz Rd. to Yuma Crossing State Park, where |
| beauty for a while, the warm-up will be nice | | | | you will ride into Yuma, AZ on Business 8 or Fifth |
| considering the future that lies ahead. Once you hit | | | | Street. You made it 177 miles, not bad for 12-hour ride |
| Palm Ave. you are ready for your trek Eastward | | | | now may I suggest cruising through the town to |
| across the bottom of the state. Take Palm Ave to | | | | Barnes and Noble, as it is a great pick-up point with an |
| Beyer Blvd North to Orange Avenue East, which turns | | | | air-conditioned coffee shop, Meanwhile I will prepare |
| into Olympic Parkway. Turn left onto Hunter Parkway | | | | myself for my second day of riding into Phoenix on |
| 1 mile to East Otay Lakes Rd and then 7 miles to Hwy | | | | my Ride Across America.Lance Winslow - Online |
| 94, which you will endure.You will then take Hwy 94 to | | | | Think Tank forum board. |
| I-8 about 50 miles of hard riding, dry, hot and long and | | | | |