sun, wind and a trying descent

70.5 miles, 850' of elevation, 10 mile descent!

We left Jacumba and rode to Brawley. One town has a population of a couple of hundred and across the street from Mexico. The end town has a population of 22,000. The ride took us up 750' to start, we the7y got on I8 where we had our 10 mile descent which would have been a lot more enjoyable without the horrible cross winds which needed COURAGE to ride through. It seemed like it was impossible to hold the front wheel straight in sections and had to use my brakes to reduce speed! Can you imagine me of all people using my brakes? I have clocked well over 55 on several Colorado mountain descents but had to keep it under 40 today.
Nevertheless, we all made it down safe and sound and we then had 40 miles of relatively flat riding as we crossed the dessert. We were a group of 4 working together so that part of the ride went quickly. By the time we hit El Central, the temps were 88 degrees. Sorry to those who are experiencing the worst winter on record. Some friends thought that we were doing this ride a month early but with 88 degrees now, can't imagine doing this ride latter.
Stopped at a family run Mexican restaurant for lunch and ice water and were pleased to be spending a little time in AC to cool off. Of all the agriculture that I expected to see, I had not thought I would see full production sod farms. After lunch we put the hammer down and cruised at 20 mph as we were blessed with a tail wind.
Great staff and sag drivers!