Today was a short day, so we didn't leave Prescott until 9:15. The later start made for a more relaxed morning, eating a leisurely breakfast and packing up our bags. We were warned that the hotel in Cottonwood was notorious for not making the rooms available until 3:00, so no rush to get there. I left the parking lot a little after everyone and rode at an easy pace out of town. At fifteen miles, we turned onto Route 89A and headed north into the climb in earnest. I spotted Jack R stopped beside the road; he was taking a breather and drinking some water. He asked me, if I had seen the antelope. WHAT? WHERE? There were two small herds of antelope grazing in the distance! Unfortunately, too far to get a picture with my "happy snappy." I'm so glad Jack pointed them out, I hadn't see them until then. Really cool!
As I passed the Yavapai Fair Grounds, I saw a sign saying the Jumping Cholos were having a dog agility meet this weekend. [explanatory note: My daughter, Pamela, and my good friend, Bob, run their dogs in agility contests.]
I was taking it easy, no rush to hurry into Cottonwood. I stopped to photograph some flowers and slowly ground my way up the mountain to Mingus Pass - elevation 7,023 feet. Oh, yes - I wore my St. Peter's Bicycle Club jersey today. The Palos Verdes Bike Club jersey saw daylight, yesterday.
After leaving Mingus Pass, it was all downhill into Cottonwood, seventeen miles of steep downhill and hairpin turns. It was too bad the pavement wasn't in better shape. Afraid of potholes and rough pavement, I alternately braked, left and right, to slow my descent. Part of the way off the mountain, I passed trough the picturesque town of Jerome, an old mining town that is now a tourist attraction. I had meant to stop in Jerome for lunch, but never saw any of my bike buddies, so I rolled through town and on into Cottonwood. On the left was a Sonic drive in, so I stopped for a double cheeseburger and large, chocolate shake before going on the hotel.
To answer a couple of questions: yes, we get a rest day in Flagstaff on Sunday. When someone gets a fl*t, we have a fl*t party. Unfortunately, the time it takes to change a flat is directly proportional to the number of people trying to help.
The last picture is of "rumble strips" cut into the asphalt to warn motorists if they start to run off the road. Strange the things you notice at fifteen miles per hour.
Hey, I've been to Jerome! Glad you had a chance to see it, if only in passing.
ReplyDeleteNow, for the beach bike trek update you've been waiting for...
Day 5. Not much saddle time today due to adverse weather conditions. The peloton and I set off at sunrise to attempt the 190th Mountain. On our approach, we met some pretty massive wind resistance, so I asked the other participants (Collies) to take a turn at the front. They looked at me blankly and flatly refused to pull through. I had no choice but to drag those two wheelsuckers along with me in the slipstream. Interestingly, on our way back to home base, the younger turkey took a flyer and attempted to break away from the peloton. Fortunately, she blew up and we were able to bridge the gap and hammer along home together.
Tomorrow, we do not ride. Instead, we will be showing out in Anaheim - think good thoughts. Piper has only the one neuron, and there is a lot of stuff to remember in obedience.
Hi Jim! This is Yuko, Ira's wife.
ReplyDeleteI just found out that you have your blog. Beautiful pictures!
It appeares that Ira teamed up with Cousin Harry. He feels very comfortable with the way Harry leads the group -- very considerate relaxed, and good humor.
We are amazed by the ability one can have including Hank and yourself.
I wish you a safe and a successful journey to Boston.
Jim from San Pedro,CA.(missed you at the Pier)
ReplyDeleteI Trak you every day of the ride.
You are doing a great job ridding and helping with the flats.
Jim,
ReplyDeleteYou need slime tubes in the rear tires in AZ,NM,CO,KS,NE. The pretty green grass in those states are full of burrs, thorns & stickers no matter how nice it looks. That was the best advice I got on my 2000 touring trip to NE.
HI Jim!
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear everything is going well...despite a few f's. I have driven through the Jerome and Cottonwood area and I know exactly what hills you are talking about...at least you were going down! Best wishes to you and have a nice day of rest on Sunday!