Hemet
Beautiful weather and an easy ride today. We even had tailwinds past the wind farm! Most mornings there is some talk of the alternate route for the day. This time that alternate route climbed up several thousand feet before dropping back to Hemet. I was content to take the normal route.
Early riding on 111 through Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage, Cathedral City and then Palm Springs. A lot of cross lights, but fortunately not too much traffic to stop things. Former President Ford passed away a few days ago, so many flags at half mast as Ford lived in Palm Desert. Also a writeup in the paper about roads temporarily closed.
Most flat and cool cycling along the main road, occasionally missing a light. After 12 miles, cycle through main parts of Palm Springs before getting to outskirts of town at 17 miles. This area would normally have the worst winds. I see flags flapping…tailwinds?…tailwinds! Light breezes as I ride the next 10 miles past the wind farms. At this point the route briefly goes onto shoulder of I-10 before taking the next exit and going along frontage road. From here, slow climbing on frontage road and an early lunch at 31 miles at Cabezon. Several large dinosaurs grace the grounds here.
From Cabezon some more frontage roads past indian casino and outlet stores. At mile 35 a short climb via the Indian reservation before rejoining the main street through Banning. Some glass on the road but I remain lucky.
At 46 miles a left turn followed by a fun 1000ft descent into Hemet. Yeah! A few last turns through San Jacinto and then into Hemet. I’m surprised to find I’m one of the early riders to arrive. Set up my gear and relax after an easy ride. 60 miles today.