Day 2: Gold Rock Ranch to Holtville

55 long miles. 18 miles of 15-25 mph headwinds. Blowing sand across the Glamis dunes. Miles and miles of straight desert road. Jules has accomplished so much in 11 years, but riding a bike 55 miles is a long way for a kid; a long way for anyone. Today, me and the parents of all the other 5th grade kids, are beaming with pride.




Jules at the Pine School at the end of the day 2 and 55 miles closer to the Pacific.

Day 1: Yuma to Gold Rock Ranch

Easing into the ride. 18.6 miles. Flat but a strong head wind. The girls did well but tomorrow will be the real test: 50 miles. We started so quickly that I didn't have time to digest the fact that we're really doing this--that 10 and 11 year olds are doing this. I suppose this is really a metaphor for parenting: it all happens so fast and then all you have is a long, open road with miles of blacktop ahead. Each pedal stroke brings thoughts about those miles travelled and memories of the day she breathed her first breath will push you further along the blacktop towards what has always been within your reach.

The night before

Getting ready. Packed the gear. Ready the bikes. Got the map. Yuma by 1:00 and the wheels turn at 3:00.

So begins our cycling adventure. Three dads, three daughters. Family in tow. Friends ahead and friends behind. When you're eleven, 280 miles is far; when you're 42, eleven isn't a little girl anymore. When you're 42, you hold on to that eleven year old for dear life, 'cause there's no turning back. And, 18 will be an unwelcome visitor all too soon. So tonight, I raise a toast to my little girl, her friends, my biking compatriots and to all the sons, daughters, mothers, fathers, sisters and brothers riding from Yuma to Carlsbad.

Tomorrow, we the adults will lead the way, but the day after that, the daughters and sons will pick up where we left off; a bit wiser and a whole lot stronger.

--MBR