day two

April 24, 2026

The absence of tracking and posting over the last few days was due to a long struggle with continuing my trip. A case of metatarsalgia (fancy word for swelling and sharp pain) and bursitis in my right foot made pedaling very difficult. I tried to take an extra down day, but the swelling remained. It was a difficult (and far more emotional than anticipated) decision, but in reality, the only way to resolve the issue is a week or so of down time and RICE – Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation. Since I was relatively close to Phoenix and Flagstaff I considered taking a train or renting a car to get further along the route while resting my foot, but based on my research it probably would not provide enough time to heal and a few more days into the ride the swelling and pain would be back.

So, I rented a car and drove home – very discouraged and disheartened. Looking at the bright side of this, I did manage to pull off seven days of interesting riding through mountains, deserts, large metropolitan areas, and tiny towns. I gained more bike-packing/touring experience and that even though I tried to take a minimalist approach in my packing I probably still had too much stuff. I also met nice people with random life connections – Navy veterans, similar cycling interests, and geographic locations. Who would ever guess that I would meet a young man in Tonopah, AZ, who used to ride in the Pond Hill Rodeo in tiny Castleton, VT, where Sue’s family lake house is.

I also learned the value of a great support group! The text messages and comments on the web page were of tremendous value to me. I will apply the lessons learned from the feedback and many errors I made on the site to improve it for my future adventures. I consider this as a minor setback and hope to take a stab at this trip another day.

Thanks again to everyone for following along on my journey.

Wesley Bomyea

Another day in the books! First 35 miles were down hill, clocking an average speed of over speed over 22 MPH. The last 20 miles was windy and the roads were in rough shape slowing me down.

There was a glitch in the GPS app that links to the “Where AM I?” Apparently the App thinks I spent the day in Julian, but I believe I found the problem and it should be back on line tomorrow.

Today was an almost 76 miles, tomorrow is almost 90. Fortunately, it is relatively flat. While much of today was barren, tomorrow is the real desert. Afterwards, I can quote the Band America – “I’ve been through the desert on a horse with no name…”

7 responses to “day two”

Anonymous

April 24, 2026

down hill and through the bad lands! I’m guessing you won’t see hills like that until the middle of Arizona.

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Anonymous

April 25, 2026

Awesome start!
Looks pretty straight, but what is coming to mind is “The Long and Winding Road..”
In my calendar, I had your starting date as tomorrow – from earlier plans, must be. Glad you were able to get going,
We’re in Boston with our fam, celebrating birthdays.
Still working on my login, will get it going soon.
Ride on, Wes! With much love!
BA

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Anonymous

April 25, 2026

Can’t believe you’re in the desert so quickly. Hopefully there are no punctures. Will your tyres last the whole journey?

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