Desert Roadkill

Po-a-tree in Death, 1-31-2012

2012-01-31T11:31:00.000-08:00

Beautiful even as it dies. Victim of recent windstorm. Francis Steven's Art Center.
Today's ride: Hermit's Bench, out-and-back.

Power to the People, 01-26-2012

2012-01-26T12:52:00.000-08:00

New utility pole next to Varner Rd. just east of Date Palm.
Today's ride: Varner - Monterey - Country Club Loop.

Memorium

2012-01-25T12:54:00.001-08:00

Mountain View south of Dillon, Desert Hot Springs.

Safest Road in the Desert, Palm Drive, 01-25-2012

2012-01-25T12:53:00.000-08:00

Palm Dr. is closed between Vista Chino and I-10 as Edison replaces the wooden utility poles with metal poles. The wooden poles were damaged in last Saturday's wind event.
Today's ride: Palm Drive - 20th - Mountain View - Dillon - Indian.

Aftermath, A Windy Day in Palm Springs, 01-23-12

2012-01-23T12:48:00.000-08:00

Two days ago Palm Springs got hit with high winds... the photos show some of the aftermath. My house was relatively lucky.. lost one grapefruit tree and one of our two awnings blew into our swimming pool.
Today' ride: Hermit's Bench, out-and-back.

First Ever Trail Ride on The Whitewater River Trail to the Salton Sea

2012-01-14T16:14:00.000-08:00

Kurt, Gary and Gary at the end of the ride.

Bird nests with the Salton Sea in the background.

Birds against the Salton Sea and Sky.
Today's ride: 18.62 miles on the Whitewater River Trail from Indio to the Salton Sea on mountain bikes. This may be the first time anyone has done this.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/yopes/sets/72157628871671827/
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/141637344

Fixer Upper, Great Location, 01-12-2012

2012-01-12T16:28:00.000-08:00

Today's ride: 17 1/2 miles, Hermit's Bench, out-and-back,
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/141158373

Varner Rd. Looking West, 01-11-2012

2012-01-11T15:15:00.000-08:00

Today's ride: 35 miles, Palm Desert Civic Center Loop,
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/140872145

Asleep in the Whitewater Wash, a Man and His Bike, 01-09-2012

2012-01-09T10:16:00.000-08:00

Today's ride: 27 miles, Varner - Bob Hope Loop, http://connect.garmin.com/activity/140349627

Road Hazard, 01-06-2012

2012-01-06T17:41:00.000-08:00

Today's ride: 32 miles. My bike has been in the shop for over a week waiting on a replacement left crank arm. I was finally able to climb back into the saddle this morning. The planned ride was Varner out to Bob Hope then to the Indian Canyons. Once I topped the hill on Varner just east of Date Palm I ran over the broken pad lock (pictured). It somehow caught on my tire and flew up knocking my rear left brake pad off kilter locking up my rear wheel, bringing me to an unplanned fast stop. I was able to get the bike rideable to get back home and fix it, finishing up with a ride to the Indian Canyons. I was lucky I didn't fall, lucky no damage was done to the rim or the bike. Bottom pic of Mt. San Jacinto taken from where my bike made its unscheduled stop.

Letter to the Editor,The Desert Sun, January 1, 2012

2012-01-01T12:34:00.000-08:00

My bike is in the shop waiting for a new crank arm, so instead of bike riding I am bike writing.

Dan taking a short break, 12-25-2011

2011-12-25T13:42:00.000-08:00

Dan, a Desert Hot Springs Cyclist, making a quick stop at the intersection of 29 Palms Hiway and Indian Canyon Ave.

Christmas Day Ride, 12-25-2011

2011-12-25T13:40:00.000-08:00

Today's ride: 29 miles, 29 Palms Hiway (Hiway 62) - Indian Ave. Loop, http://connect.garmin.com/activity/136347031,
http://www.flickr.com/photos/yopes/sets/72157628565770345/detail/.
Beautiful day, warm ride, some bit of headwind coming out of the south on the way back to Palm Springs. The Hiway 62 sign says, "High Winds Ahead" but that proved to be an overstatement.

Snow Creek Village, Out-and-Back, 12-20-2011

2011-12-20T13:10:00.000-08:00

Mt. San Jacinto Peak: looks like a wind is blowing up there. At this point just north of Windy Point on Hiway 111 I had a strong tailwind. It was pretty much windless until Windy Point.

Pacific Crest Trail at the Snow Creek Rd. Crossing. Canada north an Mexico south with climbs in both directioms.

Mt. San Jacinto from the bridge at Windy Point looking across the sandy wash. I was pushing into a strong headwind at this point in the ride.
Today's ride: 25 miles out-and-back to Snow Creek Village,

Palm Springs' Indian Canyons, 12-18-2011

2011-12-18T12:49:00.000-08:00

Today's ride: 33 miles, Da Vall + Indian Canyons Loop, http://connect.garmin.com/activity/135210229.

Palm Springs Christmas Greetings, 12-17-2011

2011-12-17T14:31:00.000-08:00

Highway 111 just before entering Palm Springs

Film crew at entrance to Palm Springs.
Today's ride; 25 miles, Whitewater Cut-Off Loop, http://connect.garmin.com/activity/134983545,
http://www.flickr.com/photos/yopes/sets/72157628460171519/.

Clouds, Cold Wind & Beauty, 12-16-2011

2011-12-16T15:22:00.000-08:00

Today's ride: 18 miles, out-and-back to Hermit's Bench. A cool, windy beautiful morning ride, http://connect.garmin.com/activity/134794483
http://www.flickr.com/photos/yopes/sets/72157628448138237/

Coachella Valley Preserve, 12-15-2011

2011-12-15T12:23:00.000-08:00

Today's ride: 48 miles, Dillon Rd. - 1,000 Palms Canyon Rd. Loop, http://connect.garmin.com/activity/134671075.
Rode with Gary and Kurt. Gary had some problems with his rear derailler and we stopped at Joel's Bike Shop in 1,000 Palms. Kevin took care of it and we were again on our way. Thanks Joel's.

New Snow, 12-13-2011

2011-12-14T08:18:00.000-08:00

New snow as seen from near the entrance to the Palm Springs' Indian Canyons. Another beautiful cool morning ride with streets still damp from last night's rain in the desert and snow in the mountains.
Today's ride: 18 miles, Hermit's Bench, Out-and-Back, http://connect.garmin.com/activity/134493127.

Walking Stick, Andreas Canyon Rd., 12-06-2011

2011-12-06T17:51:00.000-08:00

Today's ride: 18 miles, out-and-back to Hermit's Bench. It was a cold beautiful morning today. I should have worn warmer gloves.

Off Roading on Cathedral City's Class I Bike Trail, 12-02-2012

2011-12-02T12:57:00.000-08:00

Hung up on the axel, just west of Date Palm Dr. on the Whitewater River Trail.
Today's ride: 33 miles, Varner - Bob Hope Loop.

North Face Mt. San Jacinto, 11-29-2011

2011-11-29T17:37:00.000-08:00

Photo from Snow Creek Village.
Today's ride: 27 1/2 miles, out-and-back to Snow Creek Village, http://connect.garmin.com/activity/131729666.

Kurt's new bike.

Tim & Other Elite Runners, PS Indian Canyons, 11-27-2011

2011-11-27T13:19:00.000-08:00

Four members of a running group of maybe 12 - 14 runners? An impressive group of athletes.
Today's ride: 18 miles out-and-back to Hermit's Bench.
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/131374366

Stopped by a Train, Tipton Rd. Crossing, 11-22-2011

2011-11-22T15:04:00.000-08:00

Kurt checking out the train.
Today' ride: 34 miles, Whitewater Preserve, out-and-back, http://connect.garmin.com/activity/130372268,
http://www.flickr.com/photos/yopes/sets/72157628102975037/.

Cynthia's Ride is for Sale, 11-20-2011

2011-11-20T12:13:00.001-08:00

This amazing looking tree is in Cynthia's front yard.
Today's ride: Da Vall Loop.

Whitewater Preserve Loop, 11-13-2011

2011-11-13T12:41:00.000-08:00

Headquarters building Whitewater Preserve.

Roadside memorial dedicated to Brian Berry on 20th St. North Palm Springs, west of Indian Ave.

Man sitting alonside the Whitewater River trying to decide whether or not it is safe to cross. Photo taken from the bridge on Whitewater Cut-Off Rd.

Today's ride: 34 1/2 miles, Whitewater Preserve Loop, http://connect.garmin.com/activity/128487842.

More photos: http://www5.snapfish.com/snapfish/thumbnailshare/AlbumID=4880057026/a=4688175026_4688175026/otsc=SHR/otsi=SALBlink/COBRAND_NAME=snapfish/

Veterans Day Ride, 11-11-11

2011-11-11T17:51:00.000-08:00

Group of hikers descending trail from Hermit's Bench down to Palm Canyon.

This is Jack who spends time on Sunrise greeting each new day. Passed him on my way to Hermit's Bench.

USMC Wounded Warrior Handcyclist, 11-10-2011

2011-11-10T16:22:00.000-08:00

This young Marine was one of a group of cyclists, including other Wounded Warriors and other veterans, who accompanied Tim Esser as he started his current cross-country ride from the Fantasy Springs Casino to Baghdad, Arizona raising funds and bringing awareness to veterans' issues. Good luck Tim!

Got Screwed, Varner & Monterey, 11-08-2011

2011-11-08T09:37:00.000-08:00

My brand new tire and tube got screwed today. It was a long screw and I was lucky it didn't damage the rim.
Today's ride: 24 1/2 miles, Monterey Loop (though was planning to do the Washington Loop and see if I could retrieve my water bottle that I accidentally left by the side of the road on yesterday's ride), http://connect.garmin.com/activity/127374451.

Healing Field, Cathedral City, 11-07-2011

2011-11-07T12:09:00.000-08:00

Thousands of flags honoring the 6,438 American miltary's men and women killed in Iraq and Afghanistan (as of 10-31-2011).

New Snow on Mt. San Jacinto, 11-07-2011

2011-11-07T11:09:00.000-08:00

Photo from Varner Rd. just east of Date Palm Dr.
Today's ride: 37 miles, Washington Loop, http://connect.garmin.com/activity/127191496.

Praying Mantis, Dinah Shore Dr. next to Cathedral City High School, 11-06-2011

2011-11-06T17:30:00.000-08:00

Today's ride: 20 miles, Da Vall Loop, http://connect.garmin.com/activity/126898837.

Tandem Riders, So. Palm Canyon Dr., 11-01-2011

2011-11-01T10:38:00.000-07:00

Today's ride: 31 miles, Da Vall Loop + Indian Canyons, http://connect.garmin.com/activity/125809866.

Moth & Ants, Highway 111 near Overture Dr, 10-30-2011

2011-10-31T16:49:00.000-07:00

Two Ends to Two Roads, 10-30-2011

2011-10-30T11:20:00.000-07:00

Today's ride: 26 1/2 miles north on Hiway 111 past Windy Point, http://connect.garmin.com/activity/125322640. 1st sign on Wendy Rd., 2nd sign on Whitewater Cut-Off Rd. http://www5.snapfish.com/snapfish/thumbnailshare/AlbumID=4750083026/a=4688175026_4688175026/otsc=SHR/otsi=SALBlink/COBRAND_NAME=snapfish/

Flat Tire, Palm Springs Indian Canyons, 10-27-2011

2011-10-27T13:40:00.000-07:00

Today's ride: 19 miles, Hermit's Bench, Out-and-Back, http://connect.garmin.com/activity/124650169.
Beautiful, clear, cool morning in the Indian Canyons.... a great place to fix a roadside flat.

Occupy Coachella Valley, Palm Desert Civic Center, 10-26-2011

2011-10-26T10:34:00.000-07:00

Dustin and Alex, 99% ers, standing watch as the rest of their group sleeps.
Today's ride: 34 miles, Palm Desert Civic Center Loop, http://connect.garmin.com/activity/124458290.

Roy and Tony, 10-25-2011

2011-10-25T11:08:00.000-07:00

Today's ride: 35 miles, Da Vall Loop + Indian Canyons, http://connect.garmin.com/activity/124265999.
Roy, remember the Hammer Gel, http://www.hammernutrition.com/products/hammer-gel.hg.html?gclid=CJGX6r62hKwCFaYbQgodg2yuNg, Tony, Desert Bike Club, http://www.cycleclub.com/.

Valley Voice: Coachella Valley emerging as a destination for bicycle lovers

2011-10-23T12:11:00.000-07:00

http://www.mydesert.com/article/20111016/COLUMNS26/110150351/Valley-Voice-Coachella-Valley-emerging-destination-bicycle-lovers

Date Grove, Coachella, 10-22-2011

2011-10-22T18:53:00.000-07:00

Today's ride: 64 miles, CycleFest 2011 Metric Century, http://connect.garmin.com/activity/123531978. A long, hot, but good ride... Indio, La Quinta, Indio Hills, Coachella, back to Indio.

Cañón de los Osos, 10-18-2011

2011-10-18T11:49:00.000-07:00

Today's ride: 40 miles, out to Snow Creek then back to Hermit's Bench, http://connect.garmin.com/activity/122667465. Photo taken from Snow Creek Road.

Silver Sands Bikers, Morningside Dr, 10-16-2011

2011-10-16T10:53:00.000-07:00

Today's ride: 40 miles, Cook Loop, http://connect.garmin.com/activity/122128004.

Traveling Wall, Desert Hot Springs, 10-15-2011

2011-10-15T10:02:00.000-07:00

Today's ride: Indian - Pearson Loop.

Golden Barrel Cacti, 10-10-2011

2011-10-10T11:16:00.000-07:00

Today's ride: 34 miles, Desert Hot Springs Loop: http://connect.garmin.com/activity/120488475.
http://www5.snapfish.com/snapfish/thumbnailshare/AlbumID=4623853026/a=4688175026_4688175026/otsc=SHR/otsi=SALBlink/COBRAND_NAME=snapfish/

Poor Thing, 10-10-2011

2011-10-10T11:13:00.000-07:00

This bird's life came to an end along Palm Dr. just north of Via Escuela.

Mt. San Jacinto from Whitewater

2011-10-08T11:24:00.000-07:00

Today's ride: 34 miles, out-and-back to the Whitewater Preserve, http://connect.garmin.com/activity/119930833#.

http://www5.snapfish.com/snapfish/thumbnailshare/AlbumID=4610782026/a=4688175026_4688175026/otsc=SHR/otsi=SALBlink/COBRAND_NAME=snapfish/

Storm Building Up Over Palm Canyon, 10-05-2011

2011-10-05T10:05:00.000-07:00

Today's ride: 18 miles, out-and-back to Hermit's Bench, http://connect.garmin.com/activity/119335908#. A cool early October day, I even had to wear a tee shirt under my jersey.

God Spoke, I Complied!

2011-10-04T10:46:00.000-07:00

On this morning's bike ride God spoke and suggested that I stop by Temple Sinai and say hello to my friend, Jennifer. Here is proof for God that I complied. I'm trying to stay on his good side.

Traffic lined up on Date Palm north of I-10, 10-04-2011

2011-10-04T10:41:00.000-07:00

Traffic lined up nearly to Varner.

Mt. San Jacinto in early fall morning sunlight.
Today's ride: 38 1/2 miles, Varner to Washington Loop, http://connect.garmin.com/activity/119131933. Cool going out for the first time in months. Summer may be over. I am grateful....

Big Nuts, 10-02-2011

2011-10-02T11:08:00.000-07:00

Today's ride: 42 1/2 miles, Varner - Cook Loop + Indian Canyons, http://connect.garmin.com/activity/118650608#. This looks like a foundation for a new power line tower next to the existing lines crossing Edom Hill. I assume it will be connected to the new solar projects planned for the eastern desert between here and Blythe?

Cloudy Respite, 09-30-2011

2011-09-30T11:13:00.000-07:00

Today's ride: 32 1/2 miles, Palm - Varner - Monterey Loop, http://connect.garmin.com/activity/118115415. Cloudy today with mild winds, under a cloud cover and very comfortable temp, when the sun would break through it got warm fast and was a reminder that summer may not yet be behind.

Indian Ave - Whitewater Loop, 09-27-2011

2011-09-27T10:14:00.000-07:00

Trucks lined up at the Pilot Station on Indian at the I-10

Recently burned area just north of Chino Canyon west of Hiway 111

Train on a siding next to Tipton Rd looking west toward Snow Creek Village in background.

Today's ride: 25 miles (http://connect.garmin.com/activity/117479817), Indian Ave, West Garnet Rd, Hiway 62, I-10, Tipton Rd, Hiway 111.

4 Riders Making the Turn, 38th Onto Washington, 09-15-2011

2011-09-15T11:42:00.000-07:00

Today's ride: 42 miles, Washington Loop, http://connect.garmin.com/activity/114557396#

New Water Works on the Reservation, 09-09-2011

2011-09-09T16:20:00.000-07:00

Major new water delivery in south Palm Springs on the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indian Reservation.
Today's ride: 34.7 miles, Bob Hope Loop, http://connect.garmin.com/activity/113014813.

Ludvig, Nancy, Derrick & Mike, 09-03-2011

2011-09-03T09:59:00.000-07:00

Fun ride today, 28 1/2 miles... paceline and coffee: http://connect.garmin.com/activity/111515923

Memorial Day, Everyday, 08-29-2011

2011-08-29T10:54:00.000-07:00

Today's ride: 25 miles, Da Vall Loop (http://connect.garmin.com/activity/110352005)

Breaktime @ Annenberg's, 08-26-2011

2011-08-26T09:46:00.000-07:00

Today's ride: 30 miles, Varner-Portola Loop (http://connect.garmin.com/player/109517087). Back when Annenberg was alive the gate guard would hassle me for taking a break here. I never could figure why I couldn't use some of his shade for a few minutes without a hassle. Today the groundskeepers cleaning up weeds didn't seem to mind. A great improvement....

Predator and Prey, 08-17-2011

2011-08-17T10:04:00.000-07:00

These animals lost their lives to traffic on Indian Ave. east of Highway 62 in Desert Hot Springs.

Mission Creek at Worsley Rd, 08-17-2011

2011-08-17T10:01:00.000-07:00

Today's ride: 30 miles (http://connect.garmin.com/activity/107277908), Indian Ave. to Worsley Rd. at Highway 62. As the photo shows there is still a good amount of water flowing in Mission Creek.

Scorpion, 08-16-2011

2011-08-16T11:49:00.000-07:00

This little critter's life came to a end on Da Vall between Ramon Rd. and Dinah Shore.

Today's ride: the Da Vall Loop (http://connect.garmin.com/activity/107058604), with a stop at Harold's who flys these two flags.

Ants Attacking Palm Beetle, 08-13-2011

2011-08-13T10:16:00.000-07:00

Dinah Shore Rd. east of Gene Autry Dr

Tom @ Palm Springs Indian Canyons Toll Gate, 08-13-2011

2011-08-13T10:13:00.000-07:00

Today's ride: 30 miles, Da Vall Loop and out to Hermit's Bench (http://connect.garmin.com/activity/106175658). Met up with Tom for a quick ride along before he headed out to Rancho Mirage.

Dos Coyotes, Highway 111 North of Windy Point, 08-12-2011

2011-08-12T11:36:00.000-07:00

Today's ride: 40 miles, north on 111 to Snow Creek Village then back through Palm Springs to Hermit's Bench, Palm Springs Indian Canyons. Moderate headwind out 111 and fast ride back through town. http://connect.garmin.com/player/105940400

Snow Creek Village...

Hank From Hermosa Beach, 08-12-2011

2011-08-12T11:31:00.000-07:00

Met and rode with Hermosa Hank this morning on my way out Highway 111 to Snow Creek Village.

Gary and his Whitewall Tires, 08-11-2011

2011-08-11T16:15:00.000-07:00

Today's ride: 34 miles, Varner - Cook Loop with Gary.

David & Stan, Palm Springs Indian Canyons, 08-06-2011

2011-08-06T10:06:00.000-07:00

Today I had the pleasure of meeting and riding with David and Stan, who happen to live only two blocks or so from me. Even though today was a short ride, I also saw Duke, Bill and Fred out on the road.
Today's ride: 20 1/2 miles out-and-back to Hermit's Bench. A very nice morning.... not too hot for August.

Snake, Tachevah, west of Ferrell, 08-02-2011

2011-08-02T11:09:00.000-07:00

4th hole, Tahquitz Creek Country Club, golf cart path along the Araby Wash, makes one of the most beautiful sections of bike trail around.
Today's ride: 21 1/2 miles, Da Vall Loop.

New Bob Hope I-10 Freeway Overpass, 07-30-2011

2011-07-30T18:39:00.000-07:00

I made my first crossing of this not-yet-completed overpass. Today's ride: 35 miles, Varner-Bob Hope Loop + Indian Canyons. It was a Saturday morning and there was no construction activities on the overpass and I was able to ride across both the freeway and the railroad tracks to Bob Hope Dr. from Varner Rd. Today was my first ride where this was possible.

Rats, 07-27-2011

2011-07-27T10:17:00.000-07:00

Today's ride: 25 1/2 miles, Vista Chino - 30th - Da Vall Loop back to Palm Springs.

South-southwest toward Andreas Canyon, 07-17-2011

2011-07-17T16:05:00.000-07:00

Today's ride: 18 1/2 mile out-and-back to Hermit's Bench, Palm Springs Indian Canyons. Saw a lot of quail and dove on today's ride. It seems there is quite a bit of coyote scat on the Indian Canyon Road, today I saw a chipmunk tearing some of it apart and noticed the scat has quite a bit of what look to be undigested squash seeds in it. Near Hermit's Bench there were three redtailed hawks circling together and at least one of them was quite vocal.

Desert Tortoises to Stay Off the Roadway, 07-14-2011

2011-07-14T17:33:00.000-07:00

This is the road to the entrance to the Palm Springs Indian Canyons and it has major waterline work going on. The small orange fence along both sides of the road are to keep desert tortoises off the road during this construction project.

Mesquite Beans, 07-12-2011

2011-07-12T18:08:00.000-07:00

Ornamental Baja Mesquite are dropping their pods.
Today's ride: 20 1/2 miles... Whitewater Channel Trail to Date Palm Dr. - Ford - Da Vall - 30th - Vista Chino Loop.

Wild Grape Vines on the Andreas Canyon Creek, 07-01-2011

2011-07-01T15:59:00.000-07:00

Water and shade on a hot summer morning in Andreas Canyon. Today's ride: 18 mile out-and-back to Hermit's Bench, Palm Springs Indian Canyons.

Bad Driving, Palm Drive @ Whitewater Wash, 06-27-2011

2011-06-27T11:09:00.000-07:00

Deserted car skidded backwards into the desert on west side of Palm Dr. with left-side front and rear doors left open.

I-10 Indian Avenue Crossing upgrade under construction.

Tadpoles in stream next to Split Rock, Palm Springs' Indian Canyons.
Today's ride: 33 mile loop, Indian Ave. north to Dillon, east to Palm Dr. to Indian Canyons.

Judah, USMC, in Service to our Country, 06-24-2011

2011-06-24T10:06:00.000-07:00

Judah on gear watch at the Palm Springs Airport traveling from 29 Palms USMC Base home to DC. Good luck to you and all of your brothers-in-arms

Firefighters' Training Exercise, 06-24-2011

2011-06-24T10:03:00.000-07:00

These firefighters are participating in a training exercise at the training grounds on Ramon Rd. in 1,000 Palms.
Today's ride: 36 mile loop with turn around point at Cook St. and Hovely Ln.

Hawk, 06-24-2011

2011-06-24T10:00:00.000-07:00

This young hawk's life came to an end on Dinah Shore between Gene Autry and the bridge over the Whitewater Wash.

Stacked Roof Tiles, PS Indian Canyons, 06-21-2011

2011-06-21T10:53:00.000-07:00

Today's ride: 17 1/2 miles out-and-back to Hermit's Bench. A hot morning ride. It seems summer has finally landed.

Handcycling Clinic, City of Coachella 06-18-2011

2011-06-20T13:06:00.000-07:00

These cyclists have a variety of experience including recreational riders, competitive riders and being brand new to the sport of cycling.

Roadside Memorial, Ferrell Dr. and Tachevah, Palm Springs, 06-17-11

2011-06-17T14:45:00.000-07:00

An un-named memorial on the southwest corner, a loving tribute from his family.
Today's ride: 22 1/2 miles small loop to hermit's Bench, Palm Springs Indian Canyons on a very warm morning.

Whitewater Channel @ Vista Chino, 06-13-2011

2011-06-13T16:19:00.000-07:00

The Coachella Valley has an underappreciated geological feature, the Whitewater Wash also known as the Whitewater Channel. It begins in the west at the Banning Pass above 2,000 feet and courses to the southeast dropping below sea level, where it joins another underappreciated geological feature, the Salton Sea, some 60 miles to the southeast.
Our valley is a basin that collects rain runoff from the slopes of the surrounding mountains all eventually draining into the Whitewater Channel. When the wash is running with water, it causes major traffic congestion. We spend a lot of money on it. We build bridges or we do road repair at every crossing. We’ve put golf courses in it that get washed out regularly. Berms line the waterway, protecting the neighborhoods that border it.
For additional cost, roughly equivalent to the cost of two of our current I-10 freeway upgrades and using existing berms, we could build a multi-use trail connecting Palm Springs and most other valley communities to the Salton Sea, a 50+ mile linear recreational park open to young and old using any and all forms of non-motorized transportation. With an interested public it could happen.

No Ride Day, 06-12-2011

2011-06-12T17:10:00.000-07:00

Took the day off today, but did clean and oil the chain and I'm ready for tomorrow.

Mt. San Jacinto Painting by Terry Masters, 06-09-2011

2011-06-09T11:46:00.000-07:00

One of three Terry Masters' paintings hanging in a storefront window downtown Palm Springs, CA
Today's ride: 23 1/2 miles, rode north to Palm Canyon Dr. and Tram Rd., then south to Hermit's Bench in the PS Indian Canyons. Starting to get hot.

Fixing Flat Tire, Frank Sinatra Dr., 06-08-2011

2011-06-08T12:06:00.000-07:00

Front tire went flat on Frank Sinatra Dr. just east of Da Vall. Fixing it went well and I was back on the road in minutes. Today's ride: 30 miles, Vista Chino - 30th - Ramon - Monterey - Portola - Country Club Loop.

I see a lot of live ground squirrels, but this one's life ended on Dinah Shore. It looks like ravens may have gutted it.

Jack Riding the Palm Springs Indian Canyons, 06-06-2011

2011-06-06T09:25:00.000-07:00

I had a chance to ride along for a bit with Jack on this morning's PS Indian Canyon ride.
It is a beautiful June morning and happens to be the 67th anniversary of the allied landing at Normandy during WWII.

Bob Hope Drive Freeway Overpass, 06-05-2011

2011-06-05T10:43:00.000-07:00

The Coachella Valley has new freeway on and off ramps under construction which will really help traffic flow. Fot the cost of two of the overpasses the Whitewater Channel Class I bike trail could be built connecting Palm Springs to the Salton Sea.

Patrick of Team Jessup, 06-03-2011

2011-06-03T10:29:00.000-07:00

I had the luck to meet and chat with Patrick on this morning's ride. I've seen the Jesup Team colors often and this was my first meet up. It is obvious that Patrick is a fan of the beautiful Palm Springs Indian Canyons road.
Today's ride: 30 miles, Vista Chino - 30th - Da Vall - Dinah Shore Loop with side trip to the PS Indian Canyons.

Memorial Day, Desert Memorial Park, May 30, 2011

2011-05-30T12:13:00.000-07:00

Today's ride: 22 mile out-and-back to Desert Memorial Park. USMC veteran bikers at today's Memorial Day Service in Cathedral City.

Dead Duck, 05-26-2011

2011-05-26T11:06:00.000-07:00

East of Da Vall, east-bound Ramon Rd.
Today's ride: 29 miles, Vista Chino - 30th - Ramon - Bob Hope - Country Club - Morningside Loop.

Banded Sand Snake, 05-23-2011

2011-05-23T11:52:00.000-07:00

This little snake's life ended on Tachevah Dr. near Farrell.
Today's ride: 30 1/2 miles, Vista Chino - 30th - Da Vall - Hiway 111 Loop with side trip to Palm Springs Indian Canyons.

Hands Free, No Shoes, Singing and Legally Blind, 05-22-2011

2011-05-22T12:15:00.000-07:00

Today was my first encounter with Chris Vargo, http://www.chrisvargo.com/vision.php. I was by the side of the road chatting with Duke when Chris passed by riding with no hands, barefoot and singing. I had the chance to ride with him for a bit. Turns out he is also legally blind and was on his way to hike Palm Canyon barefoot. Amazing!
Today's ride: 21 miles out-and-back to Hermit's Bench in the Palm Springs Indian Canyons.

Signs of Troubled Times in Palm Springs, 05-22-2011

2011-05-22T12:09:00.000-07:00

People lined up early on a Sunday morning at a Food Bank in Palm Springs... not the image one usually associates with when thinking about Palm Springs, California.

Cactus Wrens and then a Rattlesnake, 05-20-2011

2011-05-20T18:10:00.000-07:00

See if you can find three or more Cactus Wrens in this photo. Their nest is clearly visible in the center of the cactus.

This snake was warming himself on the side of the road just past Split Rock in the Palm Springs Indian Canyons.
Today's ride: a quick 17 1/2 miles out-and-back to Hermit's Bench.

Pilot & Copilot, Alan & Rudy, 05-18-2011

2011-05-18T10:01:00.000-07:00

Rudy has started to walk with a limp, so Alan has bought this rig so that they can still go out and about.

Beautiful cool morning for a Mid-May day, some fat cool rain drops falling and dampened roads in the Palm Springs Indian Canyons, Andreas palms at the mouth of Andreas Canyon under the cover of clouds with rain/snow flurries at higher altitudes.

Dangerous Spot of Road, Palm Springs, 05-14-2011 and a Thank You for Palm Springs Cyclery

2011-05-14T12:12:00.000-07:00

South-bound Sunrise on the Tahquitz Creek Bridge at South Riverside Dr., striping and lane bumps guide cyclists into the traffic lane.
Today's ride: 19 miles out-and-back to Hermit's Bench, Palm Springs Indian Canyons.
Two days ago on my rear rim fractured. I took the wheel into Palm Springs Cyclery where I bought the bike almost 5 years ago. Turns out the wheel was still under warranty, the wheel was ordered and came in yesterday and I was able to ride today and the only cost was for new rim tape. Thank you Palm Springs Cyclery for your excellent service. Much appreciated.

Bicycle Found Dead, Hanging in Garage, 05-13-2011

2011-05-13T11:50:00.000-07:00

My rear Bontrager Select Rim fractured during yesterday's ride. I'll be out of the saddle for awhile.

Dinosaurs in the Desert, 05-12-2011

2011-05-13T11:47:00.000-07:00

Mt. San Jacinto from West Garnet Road.
Today's ride: 24 1/2 miles, Indian Ave. - West Garnet Rd. - Hiway 62 - Dillon - Palm Dr. Loop.

Best Section of Class 1 Bike Trail in the Valley, 05-11-2011

2011-05-11T10:45:00.000-07:00

This short section of the Whitewater Channel Multiuse Trail through Palm Springs is the prettiest traffic free ride in the valley. It is on the southern edge of the Tahquitz Creek Country Club between Gene Autry Dr. and Farrell Dr. The stream in the photo is Tahquitz Creek. To the left, the south side of the trail, is the Araby Wash.
Today's ride: 32 miles, Vista Chino - 30th - Da Vall - Dinah Shore Loop with side trip to Hermit's Bench.

B-52s at O'Donnell Golf Course, 05-07-2011

2011-05-07T10:07:00.000-07:00

Today's ride: 19 mile out-and-back to the Palm Springs' Indian Canyons. A stage is being set up at the O'Donnell Country Club. there is to be a sold-out B-52's Concert tonight. With the 10,000 foot Mt. San Jacinto mountain back-drop, even though I live about a mile away, I should be able to hear the concert from home.

Crash Tommy, 05-01-2011

2011-05-01T11:43:00.000-07:00

Crash Tommy, 73 year old, ex-mountain bike racer. If he ever decides to let go of his fat-tired, soft-tail mountain bike and trade it in for a road bike, there will be only a few on the roads who can stay in his slipstream. Nice meeting you today Tom.