Shane thinks he looks better with short hair!!!!!!!

The start of my sun burned stomach…………..it has gotten much worse since I took this picture about three hours ago! The sun in the dessert is intense. I am going to get a lovely nights rest this evening……..son of a…………..

I have been cycling for about three years and over that period of time I have traveled many places and met many interesting people. However, on Sunday’s group ride to Mammoth, Arizona I met the most interesting person to date whom I will call “Big Pickle.” (No, it is not the pickle you are thinking about!)

The Sunday group ride is a 100 mile ride that leaves Tucson, goes to Mammoth, stops at the Circle K gas station in Mammoth, and then back to Tucson. It was a good ride to Mammoth and I was excited to get to the gas station so I could adjust my ill fitting saddle and get an ice cold Diet Mountain Dew.

While drinking the Diet Mountain outside the gas station I noticed that one dude on the ride was eating one of those huge pickles that I always see in bars or convience stores but never thought anyone actually ate. I would think it was gross if I saw someone eating one of those things at home but not halfway through a bike ride when it is 90 plus degrees!! Plus, this is me that thinks this is gross and I am the one who gets ripped on by Sayers and Hollywood for eating string cheese and strawberry milk at store stops!

Not much is known about “Big Pickle” becuase I don’t think anyone has talked to him but apparently he was spotted outside of a store in Tucson eating yet another one of these large pickles with a gel a few days back! I don’t know the logic behind this pickle eating but I am very curious. I wonder what would cause some to crave a large pickle on a hot long ride? Now not only does Tucson have the notorious “Grey Wolf” but “Big Pickle” has arrived on the scene.

Today was an easy day which was great. I spent a bit of time by Jason Karew’s pool and even jumped in……..of course I jumped into the shallow end since I can’t swim! Karew is letting us stay with him for the night until the termites are all killed at Dan’s house.

The pool was fun but I got fried! My back and chest are soooo burnt and hot it is crazy! I am getting worried because it is getting hotter and more red as the evening progresses. I hope it does not blister! Time to go apply some aloe……

later,
g.