4-14-08 “Head Wind”

We woke up and got all our stuff packed and put out by the Penske.  Then we left Henderson and started biking to Pahrump.  Today, we had a long bike ride in Death Valley National Park. Death Valley was really hot and really windy.  We stopped at Badwater Basin, which is 282 ft below sea level.  I saw hot springs much like you would see in Yellowstone. Ally, my mom, and I rode together.  It started out good, but then my mom said, “Sydney you have a flat tire.”  It took so long to change one stupid tire, but we did it.  I was only supposed to ride for 10 miles because I was sick, but I actually ended up riding 25 miles with a 35 mph head wind in 106° heat.  Ally was in the front and my mom rode on my side to block me from the wind.  I was tired and so glad to see the Penske; it was like seeing your mom and dad after a long trip away from home.  After they picked us up, we had to catch up with Mr. Thomsen because he was biking.  He rode for over three hours and rode over a big pass before going into Death Valley.  The other kids wanted to bike some more, so Jacob and I went in the Penske with Paul and Mr. Thomsen to pick up Tyrone.  Once we caught up to Tyrone, Jacob went out for another ride.  He wanted to keep riding, but it got dark so he had to get off the road.  Jacob said he saw a rattlesnake jump out and try to bite the tire of the Penske.  I wish I could have seen the snake from inside the Penske.  Not sure I want to see it in person or on the road. Tonight we are staying in Ridgecrest, CA.