Distance: 103 miles
Climbing: 8750 feet
Max Speed: 46 mph
A wonderfully scenic day today. We got out of the hard core desert and into the mountains over three mountain passes and three great descents. I have to admit, I’d about had it with the desert.
First on the day was Yarnell pass. Yarnell is sort of the boundary between desert and mountain air. I swear the temperature dropped 10 degrees on the top of that mountain pass and the air picked up that celery snap.
Then came the pass into Prescott. Great climb, great descent. I got an early start out of lunch so I could stop by a bike shop there to pick up some water bottle cages for my saucy little minx. I understand she got a bit uppity with you yesterday. I got her these big, industrial strength bottle cages. I could have gone with the carbon, but no way. Not with her attitude. See how she likes that.
Next was the pass into Jerome. I summited at the high point for the day at 7023 feet and then dropped off the mountain like a stone down a technical descent. It was one of those where a bike can go a lot faster than a car. Jerome is this old copper mining town hanging off the side of a mountain overlooking a stunning valley panorama. The video is a three minute bit from that descent around some switchbacks and such. I think it came out pretty well.
I feel great tonight. This old flatlander is pretty satisfied with his legs over all that climbing. Slopes ramped up to 8% for pretty long stretches. It’s not all that bad. You just find a low gear and tap out a cadence. I also feel like I’m riding into some good legs, not necessarily speed legs, but endurance and climbing legs.
Alright. I’m out. I have to find more food. See ya.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Day 4: Wickenburg, Arizona to Cottonwood, Arizona
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Wow!
ReplyDeleteThat is an exhilerating and frightening video. Did you break the sound barrier? Looked like you might be exceeding the speed limit, fella.
ReplyDeleteYour shadow looked great riding just ahead of you. I couldn't see all the bikers ahead of you. Did you videoshop them out? Loved the "celery snap" change of weather. Gave me goosebumps. Keep pedaling. Love you. Mom
Andy Great video .
ReplyDeleteTake care of "sexybike" remember who is doing the hauling.
Oji
Hey Andy I loved the film at 11. I saw your shadow and your right hand. I loved it I recall many like descents. It seemed like you always knew what layed ahead so you didn't have to ride the break.or worry about sharp turns and gracel. Not so technical. Looked like a rather nasty fall if you went over the guard rail. If you have a bad rash problem think about "Desiten sp?" It worked on your diaper rash and I have used when biking.It is antiseptic so it prevents reocurrance on the fallowing day.
ReplyDeleteThis was one of those climbs where you have to brake to stay off the bumpers of the cars in front because you can go down it faster on a bike.
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