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