Ali is the first one on the bike. While Ali begins cycling (9am) what we hope to be the longest day yet, 185 miles, we try activating a couple of cell phones from Trakfone. After over an hour and a half talking to international call centers, one trakfone is working, and the other cannot be activated. One extra phone will have to do.Driving up to Ali 2 hours later, he's riden over 40 miles! Happy with his success, we notice that his water bottles are full and he feels great. Ali says he's ready for another 60 miles, so Kristian, Shah and Christy drive up another 60. Unfortunately, soon after we drive away, Ali's limited sleep from organizing the car and cleaning the house the night before finally catch up to him. He slows down considerably, and gets a flat at midday in the Arizona heat. It is hours before he finally catches up with the car surviving the elements and exhaustion.
Kristian set out 100 miles from Ali's original start point. Because of Ali's phenomenally long day, Kristian is stranded for a few hours on the road aswell. He pulls into a gas station and drinks a gallon of water and two gatorade.
Eventually, Shah gets out on the road, cycles like a Tour de France veteran, crosses the Arizona-New Mexico border and makes his way to our accomodation for the night, a TA truck stop motel. Up until now on the tour, Ali has slept on the floor by choice. He looks at the floor of the room, then under the bed, and wisely chooses to pass on that option this evening.We are all exhausted from the night before and the longest cycling day yet. Knowing tomorrow will be longer and that we've lost an hour, we fall asleep before 10pm MST.
