I think today's climbing was billed as another 4,000 feet, or something of that ilk. There was a gradual climb, with some ups and downs through a beautiful canyon road, from about 2500 feet to 4750 feet and then switchbacks that went straight up the side of the mountain to get us to 7000 feet. The switchbacks themselves were not that steep (or perhaps I still have yesterday's pain in mind). From the top you could look straight down -- as Mike put it -- if you jumped off the side you would bounce 4 times -- once on each switchback
The beauty of today's ride, through Sedona and up to Flagstaff, made all the climbing worthwhile. After Flagstaff, however, we left 89a and got onto I40 for the run down to Winslow, which is at about 5000 feet. Barren desert is about the only way to describe it.
The winds were not in our favor, although better than expected -- but I hooked onto a paceline and we made good time. Bill joined the paceline for a while, but then when someone got a flat, he went on ahead, figuring that we would catch up. Well ... I was the next one with a flat ... long story short he got in before we did -- not by much, he was still checking in (seems that the first room did not have A/C -- I can identify with that !!)
The temperatures were ideal -- it was in the low 50's leaving Cottonwood, high 60's in Flagstaff, and mid to high 70's in Winslow. Contrast that with the report from Mike Munk who says that every other ride through Flagstaff at this time of year has encountered snow. Yes .... I'll take the sun !!!
Back to the road through the canyon -- creek at the bottom, "cottages" etc. (some huge) with Sedona-like mountains right behind the houses, trees, shade -- idylic. It reminded me somewhat of some riding through Valley Forge park area -- except that the trees there are more dense and there are no mountains -- but up and down hills, winding ... need I say traffic ...
We left around 7am and arrived about 4:15 for elapsed time of 9:15. Total mileage -- 107.5. Rolling time 7:15. It's amazing how the stops add up -- 2 hours of stopped time -- SAG stops, picture taking stops (today I played the tourist) -- flat fixing stops -- remember, it's not a race.
Angelika has been asking about pictures -- here are a couple from today --
2 comments:
Geri says she hopes you liked Sedona enough to take Sandy there at some point! :-)
Great ... You figured out how to post pics!
And here I thought all you did was ride & ride & ride ... (and pray for no flat!) Nice to see it wasn't a picture of a flat :)
Sounds like the part of the ride you dreaded most is over ... that is good. I remember taking Route 66 in Albuquerque, NM.
I'm with David ... I'd want to be there ... but in a convertible!
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