Today was a real confidence builder. With the temperature in the high 90's I first climbed Yarnel grade (1800 feet) and then did a second hour riding west of Congress, AZ. The climb seemed easy and the heat around Congress was not a problem. Of course the next time I climb Yarnel grade it will be after riding 400 miles through the desert and it will not be as easy. Tomorrow afternoon we will be riding down the glass elevator just outside Borrego Springs. It will be good to be familiar with that 3,000 foot descent before racing it on RAAM.