Welcome to the Mojave desert

PART II:
Physical limits

During Race Across America, I was only 6 hours into what turned out to be an 11 day race. Temperatures of over 40 degrees celsius, combined with relentless climbing, resulted in severe cramping in both calves, thighs and hands. My fingers were wrapped tightly around my handle bars. I could not let go, even if I tried. My stomach became unsettled and began to reject the calories I so badly needed. My system began to shut down. We were barely 200 km into a 5000 km race. While I was physically spent, previous experiences had taught me that this did not have to be the end. Soon we were approaching the night time, and along with it came some cooler temperatures. I reduced my efforts. My stomach began to settle, and I was again able to take in much needed nourishment and fluids. I had approached my physical limitations, but I had stayed within them. I had successfully avoided a DNF for now.

After about five days on the road, I got this sudden extreme pain in my right thigh. It felt like flesh was being torn right off my bone. This extreme pain lasted for about 24 hours. I thought I was heading for a certain DNF, but I stayed on the bike. Then my pain disappeared. Five days later I rolled unto the docks of Annapolis. Many times I thought I had reached my limit, only to discover I had more to give. Arvid

Part III:  Mental limits - coming soon