Mackay is a town in decline. Population has halved since 2008 & now stands at only 320.
Bars & restaurants are plentiful but empty & close early. Only places with life are the the RV Park & the two gas stations.
Last night, l had called at a bar & was quizzed on my presence in this small town. When I told them they asked –
“ Why the hell you want to peddle though the two hottest states in the US in the two hottest months of the year?“
The sane question I had been asking myself. It was already a struggle with 90F – 100F+ a big worry. I need to start to consider alternative routes.
The morning ride to Arco was 27 miles & pleasant, temperature had still to climb.
Arco – hill in background is littered with dates. It claims to be the first town in the world powered by nuclear energy.
Had lunch & stocked with water for my ride through the desert. Increased from 3 to 5 litres. Next opportunity would not be until Idaho Falls, 70 miles on.
Route was straight & gradually climbed past two large buttes, through the 900 square miles of the International Nuclear Laboratory. The highest point was reached 49 miles in at Summit Mask.
I like the word summit – it tells me there is a downhill coming! By 9 pm I had arrived at Idaho Springs.
Travelling through the desert was OK, though got caught in a thermal that shook my bike around a bit.
John's Epic Cycle Adventures 