Friday: This morning Chris (from the East Coast) was talking about the extreme weather in Missouri and expressing his concerns as to the impact on road conditions. A few of us looked at each other then gently reminded him we won't be in Missouri for a few weeks yet.
Rode from Prescott to Cottonwood, AZ. Stopped for lunch in Jerome. Included a climb up Mingus mountain. Nice descents, with views of the Red Rocks and Mesas at a distance. That has been one of the most impressive parts of the rides so far - the expansiveness of the views out here.
The descent was a bit technical due to rough pavement, but pretty fun overall. As we were pushing ~ 35 mph, a kamikaze squirrel came out of nowhere and missed Harry's front wheel by less than an inch. I saw the whole thing unfold in front of me - quite amazing!
Rode from Prescott to Cottonwood, AZ. Stopped for lunch in Jerome. Included a climb up Mingus mountain. Nice descents, with views of the Red Rocks and Mesas at a distance. That has been one of the most impressive parts of the rides so far - the expansiveness of the views out here.
The descent was a bit technical due to rough pavement, but pretty fun overall. As we were pushing ~ 35 mph, a kamikaze squirrel came out of nowhere and missed Harry's front wheel by less than an inch. I saw the whole thing unfold in front of me - quite amazing!
Tom R. (from N.J.) had a blowout of his rear tire on the descent - something he had been worried about. Apparently the tires overheat if the rims get too hot from too much braking???
This was a short ride, so gave us some more free time. I could get used to this!!
This was a short ride, so gave us some more free time. I could get used to this!!
Saturday (today): (And yes, this is taking effort to keep track of what day of the week it is. Another reason to not get behind on the blog). Made it to Flagstaff, AZ!! Went through Sedona, so lots of great views of Red Rocks. Stopped for our "Second breakfast" in Sedona as an excuse to spend some time there. Then we climbed up through Oak Creek Canyon which was absolutely beautiful. It was a 2-mile climb with some switchbacks; it was really only ~ 8% grade and it was nice and steady.The second photo above is from the top of this climb.
Quote of the day: while riding through the Canyon - Harry out in front of our "paceline" sings out at the top of his lungs: "I LOVE CALIFORNIA"!!! A few seconds later a voice ~ 3 or 4 back in the group says, "Uh, Harry -- we are in Arizona now".
Tomorrow is our first rest day. I'll be joining Peter (from NYC) on a tour of the Grand Canyon. Tourist-y guided thing, but I've never been to the Grand Canyon, so I figure, "Why not....".
Hi,
ReplyDeleteA day off! The Grand Canyon will be amazing. Have fun. So, what are you eating?
Lynn
Finally, a day of rest and you're going on a tour? Crazy girl! Your trip so far sounds amazing, and it's so great to see you are embracing nearly every aspect of it...the good and not so good! Have a fabulous day!
ReplyDeletexo, Lynn F