dryfj.com / drycyclist.com (kevin cook)

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Aiken Mine Road/Jackass Canyon Road junction is the next stop on my Kelbaker Road death climb

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01338-jackass-canyon-road.jpg OK, back on Kelbaker Road, I'll tackle a little more of this slow, hot hillThumbnailsI pace back and forth with my arms extended for maximum air flow, like a cat stretched out on the floor on a hot dayOK, back on Kelbaker Road, I'll tackle a little more of this slow, hot hillThumbnailsI pace back and forth with my arms extended for maximum air flow, like a cat stretched out on the floor on a hot dayOK, back on Kelbaker Road, I'll tackle a little more of this slow, hot hillThumbnailsI pace back and forth with my arms extended for maximum air flow, like a cat stretched out on the floor on a hot dayOK, back on Kelbaker Road, I'll tackle a little more of this slow, hot hillThumbnailsI pace back and forth with my arms extended for maximum air flow, like a cat stretched out on the floor on a hot dayOK, back on Kelbaker Road, I'll tackle a little more of this slow, hot hillThumbnailsI pace back and forth with my arms extended for maximum air flow, like a cat stretched out on the floor on a hot day

I almost always stop here when riding up Kelbaker Road, but today is different: heat exhaustion is setting in. My break here will be a bit longer than usual, as I have no choice but to wait until I cool down a little. I feel nauseous.

Heat exhaustion is an animal to be hunted. Slowly and deliberately, taking as much time as necessary to outsmart it and win.

From past experience, I think of Kelbaker Road out of Baker as a fairly easy hill to climb, requiring effort, but not especially challenging. But it's different today at 90 degrees. This heat is why I don't usually visit Mojave National Preserve so late in the spring; it makes simple tasks rather challenging.

Regardless of how I feel, my needs must be addressed. Immediately.

I drink more of my hot water; cold would be so much nicer. I manage to delicately eat a Clif bar for the extra energy boost that I need. My tummy feels like it's going to reject food right now, but I don't throw up.