Now this is more like it! The desert in this part of Arizona is beautiful right now.
We spent the greatest part of the day climbing; experiencing the pain of "false flats," terrain that looks flat but is actually uphill, and "false peaks," when you think you are coming to the end of a long climb and discover, when you get there, that it isn't the top and the hill goes on forever. We went over one pass at 6,100 feet!
But, on the positive side, the wildflowers are in bloom and the sweet scent of pine greeted us at elevation. The last five miles were all downhill into Prescott; a great treat after climbing all morning.
Keep the comments coming! I read all of them. Pamela, get that bike out there and ride! Bob asked about the characters - Peter is a Brit who has lived in NYC for thirty years (sixty years old); Rich is a retired paramedic from New Mexico (in his forties). Both are thoroughbreds and very strong riders. Unfortunately, Rich is leaving us in Gallup, NM.
Tomorrow is a short day into Cottonwood, more climbing and false flats!
Why are you posing next to a phallic symbol? Are you trying to confuse everyone?
ReplyDeletebob
Day 4 of the BBT-SCCT (Beach Bike Trek in Support of the Cross-Country Team).
ReplyDeleteAfter a much-needed SAG stop, we left our home base for what we knew would be a challenging day of climbing. Cast of characters: Myself, the bike, and two ill-mannered Collies. As we approached the hill (190th), we immediately experienced a four-block stretch of false flats. We bravely soldiered on, although we began to suffer from oxygen deprivation due to the increasingly high altitude. To our relief, after what seemed like hours, on the horizon appeared the summit! We were almost home free! Imagine our chagrin when it turned out to be a false peak... we were forced to turn back. Plan for tomorrow: well-rested and armed with poopy bags (for the ill-mannered collies, not me), we will make another assault on the mountain.
-P
I'll be headed out to Santa Fe, NM on the 21st, with an over night stop at the Grand Canyon! Should be out there around the time you guys are... Anything I can bring you? Maybe pass off a nice cold drink as I pass by in the FX Truck?
ReplyDeleteI'll keep following the blog and figure a way to meet up with you in NM...
Until then, just keep pedaling!!!
Mike
It looks like great weather. beware of the roadwire from getting into your drivetrain. solution: back up your bike and it will back out. Wish I was there
ReplyDeletePamela's postings are very entertaining!
ReplyDeleteDo you get any part of the weekend off?
v.
Hi Jim!!!
ReplyDeleteVicarious Biking! I feel NO PAIN! Just the way I like it. Is there such a thing as Drift Biking? Wouldn't that be cool? Down hill from Mahattan Beach to Boston. I could do that : )
Love keeping up with the trip Jim. Your commentary is always a kick to read. You always sound like you've had an expressive day, good bad or otherwise. I like your term FL_T! Two in the same day sounds like a drag for a lucky guy like you. Does everyone stop and wait when there's a FL_T?
I laughed out loud when I saw you standing next to the saguaro cactus. I can't explain why. Great pictures so far. Much admiration and awe Jim.
Thank you for blogging daily. It's really something to look forward to. The question about "days off" was a good one. Are there any or is this 7 straight weeks of pedaling? OMG, the thought! Even on vacation, one gets a day off!
Big Hug!
Mike and Sue
Amazing updates and photos Jim, Libby tipped me off to your ride & blog. Impressive.
ReplyDeleteBonus today -- I grew up in Wickenburg (true story) so am glad to hear that it's still standing and still gorgeous desert around it.
From your comments today I am beginning to worry about you. I think that between the five flats(so far) and the sun you have become emotionally unstable. Take two aspirin and call me in the morning with your insurance information.
ReplyDeleteBob
The ride int Prescott is tremendous. What a fon memory.
ReplyDeletecx07
Martin