So far 451 23,800 41:55
A long, strenuous, wonderful day in the saddle. We made a series of three climbs today through the Weaver Mountains and Prescott National Forest. The first climb was twenty-five miles up and out of the desert to Yarnell "Where the desert wind meets the cool mountain air." The 3,000' climb was through sage brush and sparsely vegetated desert sands. We were glad to be leaving the arid, boring, hot desert behind. After a gradual twelve mile descent we started climbing again.
In earnest this time as we rode to Prescott. The landscape was more forgiving and the air a lot cooler. It was a long climb up switchbacks though Prescott National Forest. Denser and taller vegetation surrounded low growing evergreens. The air was refreshing. Incidentally, the climb started in Nowhere. A great climb. If you want to know how best to enjoy grilled cheese and tomato, try riding this route. At mile 55 with 6,000 feet of climbing behind you, its a great lunch.
After lunch we descended through the PNF and into the town of Prescott, a booming place. Lots of new buildings, roads etc. Twenty miles of downhill went fast. Outside of town we began climbing again. Another 3,600 feet for the day through the pine forest surrounding the Mingus Mountain Recreation Area.When we reached the peak at 7,000 feet we could see the clouds and lightning surrounding us. We had dodged rains all day, only getting a couple minutes of sprinkles at a time. Some of this looked serious. Riders ahead reported back to the rest stop that the rains were severe.
So now the real fun begins.
We are 17 miles from Cottonwood at elevation of 7,000 feet. Cottonwood is about 3,400 feet. One of the truck warning signs cautioned about grades up to 12%. For me that's a license to fly. Down the switchbacks at 30, 35 and 40 mph. Braking for cars moving slower.
After ten miles of fun, we reached Jerome, once called out by the New York Post as the wickedest town in the West. Jerome's history is that of a mining town. It is built on a hill and has dozens of shops selling all kinds of art and paraphernalia. There was a head shop and a shop named Penny Lane. We enjoyed some ice cream and resumed our fast descent. Another eight miles of descending left us at the hotel in Cottonwood. Google "Jerome" and google "House of Joy" for some interesting history.
Today was a significant challenge physically for sure. The sense of accomplishment and the thrill of the downhill runs made it one of my most memorable days on the bike. I've even suggested we drive back in the morning and ride it again.
Life on tour requires fitting in eating, riding, eating, cleaning bikes, laundry, eating, organizing for the next day, and necessarily sleeping. I'm also trying to fit in blogging and email. Its a lot of fun. If you have nothing to do for the next two years, I recommend you get into shape and ride across the country. Bedtime.
We have been to Jerome and have seen the terrain-- be careful on those down hills - it is a long way down the side of those mountains. Sounds like a real spectacular ride-- you guys are movin
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B ill, I flew down the hill from Jerome. A great ride. I love taking corners at 25 mph on two square inches of tire contact. Fortunately I was able to make that run before the rain hit and slicked up the pavement.
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