A Tale of Three Rides

Miles Ridden Today - 64.38  Average Miles Per Hour - 15.59

So yesterday I wrote to you about the motel options we had in Ash Fork, Az - our original destination.  Thanks to the support of my wife (and the willingness of my children to see daddy do the ENTIRE Ride Across America) the entire family got up at 5:00 and drove me from Williams to Ashfork so I could hit the road by 6:00 - and thus began the first of my three rides for the day.

Remember that little lesson I supposedly learned from yesterday?  You know, the one about always listening to the locals?  Well, in my heat and mileage addled state yesterday I observed the inclines on the way to Williams and thought, "These aren't too bad, I did worse than this today" and that was the cocky attitude I had when I hit the road.  Boy was I stupid!  The lady in the Chevron station had warned Amy that the roads would climb 1700 feet in 17 miles and that there were sections that were fairly steep.  But I didn't listen.  I would come to lament my cockiness as my energy totally flagged at about eight miles.  I was just plodding along not able to understand why I didn't have any snap in my legs.  To top it off, at about eleven miles my computer battery died!  I knew the route was 17.5 miles but I had no idea how fast I was going, what the incline was or how far I still had to go.  I did see an FF (a coyote) and one of the most odd things I have ever seen - someone's box of Kitchen supplies laid out on the side of the road like it was a garage sale.  I kept looking around expecting someone to come and see if I wanted to buy something but there was no one there.  I took a video of it for Sarah's project and I pedaled on.

I finally rolled into Williams and briefly celebrated the fact that I was on Route 66.  I went to gather the family because all last night the kids were so excited about the prospect of riding with daddy on Route 66.  When I rolled up just after 8:00 (how's that for lousy average mph?) Amy had the kids all decked out in their Ride Across America jerseys.  We pulled off their bikes, got them all set up and then it was time for the second ride of the day -  off we went, the five mile loop of Route 66 around Williams, AZ.  And here we are;

After that ride we packed up the bikes and the kids headed off to the pool while I went back to the room for a power nap.  I had only ridden 22 miles today and yet I was totally exhausted and I wasn't sure how I was going to make the last 54 miles to Tusayan!  After about 20 minutes I refilled bottles, settled my gear and headed out the door.  Of course, I had to stop at Circle K to get a large hit of coffee - I NEEDED CAFFEINE!!!!

And then began the third ride of the day and one that I couldn't believe I accomplished.  Now when I started out I had to set the iPod to play John Mayer's cover of "Route 66" so I could cruise down the road to the proper motivation!  My computer (no fully recharged, thanks to the second ride and the power nap) showed my average mph to this point as 12.2 - hardly impressive in the least.  Actually, pretty sad.

Now I have been somewhat dubious of the maps that I have been using, not because of the route (although I have ridden on Interstates twice now, much to Amy's chagrin) but because of trying to interpret the elevation charts.  This one showed that from Williams to Valle would be a slight decline and then a slight steady incline from Valle to Tusayan.  FromWilliams to Valle I literally flew!  I was logging 24 mph on the flat and with 2% elevation!  I was breezing along and I couldn't believe the time I was making.  By an hour and an half into this ride I had reached Valle, my half way point.  And upon driving in I saw the Planes of Fame Air Museum at the Valle Airport with this parked outside;

and I knew I had to call Amy and let her know that she and the kids would HAVE to make a "Pit Stop" - and as I described it I could hear William "calling" it in the background!  It was also a chance that I might be able to beat them to Tusayan!  I had a lovely conversation with a family from Seattle that were on their way to the Grand Canyon and we talked about what I was doing and how far I had come.  They were very supportive and so I gave them a brochure.  I'm sorry I didn't get your names but I wish you well on your journey!  I hope the video your 15-year-old son is creating comes out brilliant.

And after a brief repast (where I found out its illegal to charge for ice and water from the fountain in AZ) I headed off to Tusayan.  I only had 26 more miles to go!  And my average mph had risen to 14.7!  It was time to crank hard! 

So throwing caution to the wind (and knowing that I had three full rest days coming up) I settled into a groove and tried to keep at least a 17 mph average speed.  The funny thing is that I didn't really see much FF or RR on this part of the journey.  I had seen a coyote early in the day and I saw two really cool bleached skeletons (one of which I filmed for Sarah's project) but that was pretty much it for 74 miles - weird, huh.

I was so pleased with myself when I realized I was a mile outside of Tusayan and the family hadn't caught up with me yet!  I was going to do it!!!  I was going to finally be in our ending spot before them.  And just as I was congratulating myself I saw them pass me - with half a mile to go!!!  So I literally followed them to the hotel cursing my luck the entire way.  My average mph now?  15.7!!!!  I had cooked the last 26 miles of the route!  I was feeling so euphoric!  Not to mention that tomorrow I will get to realize one of my lifelong dreams - to see the Grand Canyon!

We checked into the Red Feather Lodge and got ourselves settled in.  We relaxed for a while before heading off to Plaza Bonita for dinner - I had more Mexican food becuase we're not too much longer for this area.  Once we get out of the Pueblo, CO area I don't trust the Mexican food!

Well its time to get some sleep - we have a HUGE day at the Grand Canyon and we all need our energy to keep up.  We'll keep talking to all we can about Sunrise and handing out brochures to those who want to help us send the kids to Sunrise!

And the reports -

FFR - 1 Coyote, 2 Bleached Skeletons (UFO's of the Cool Variety)

RRL - 1 cooler (they're everywhere), 1 Box of Kitchen utensils laid out in an organized fashion by the side of the road.

Stay well and I'll update from the road!

For another perspective on our journey check out Amy's blog at http://www.crosscountrymama.blogspot.com/

To donate and help us get the kids to Sunrise go to https://www.wizevents.com/register/register_add.php?sessid=1809&id=1056
Check out our website at http://www.connorsarmy.org/

Milestones

Miles Ridden Today - 108.1   Average Miles Per Hour - 13.00

Today was a day full of many milestones in our Ride Across America and a day in the saddle that I will not soon forget!  One of the biggest things that happened was I rode the most mileage in a single day that I have ever ridden in my life - 109 miles!  But more on that in a bit.

I awoke this morning at 4:00 (actually I rolled out of bed at 4:00, I was actually awake at 3:30) and dressed and took care of my bike and equipment issues as quietly as I could.  Knowing this was going to be a long day (and hot) I wanted to get out as soon as I could.

Since we were staying at a Super 8 (by the way, the NICEST that we've EVER stayed in so far) I availed myself of the free breakfast and loaded up on carbs.  I've gone from someone who virtually NEVER ate breakfast to someone who now eats a bowl of oatmeal, three cups of coffee, an English muffin, two glasses of orange juice and some fruit before heading out.  I think the poor guy on desk duty was left in a state of shock but I knew I was going to need it.  Sadly, there was no waffle machine like at other Super 8's or I would have had one of those!

I headed off into the sunrise with thoughts of the long day ahead combining with thoughts of Lisa's mother.  I was hoping she was doing well and I was a bit concerned since I hadn't heard anything about how the surgery had gone.  I slipped into my usual routine of reciting my rosary to begin my ride (after of course annointing both myself and Pearl with Holy Water from our friend Rita) and had just finished when two momentous events happend - my gears started skipping like crazy and I saw my first flattened fauna of the day.

The flattened fauna was sort of cool because it was a rabbit and it was still fairly fresh - it must have happened that morning - I took video of it with the idea that I would start keeping a video log.  By the end of the day I would change my mind.

It was the second momentous occasion that really had me worried.  The gears skipping only eight miles into a 100 mile with lots of climbs could spell disaster and I was rightly concerned.  I turned the entire bike over on the side of the road and played with the adjustment for about ten minutes before realizing I had done all I could do right now.  So it was back on the road.  I made it to Congress in pretty good time and my average mph was still at 15.00.  I ducked in to replenish my water bottles (I have learned to NEVER miss a chance to do that) when I fell into a conversation with a nice gentleman named George.  He and I spoke about Sunrise, about why I was riding to help the kids and he asked me which way I was headed.  I told him up 89 to Ash Fork and that's when I learned valuable riding lesson # 27 - ALWAYS LISTEN TO THE LOCALS WHEN THEY WARN YOU ABOUT THE TERRAIN!  He warned me that the hill I was about to climb was steep and that he (did I mention he was on a bicycle?  I very nice hybrid that had a nice looking granny gear) could only make it about halfway to the top.  He said we were now about 3000 feet (my GPS confirmed this) and it would top out about 4700 feet before I hit Yarnell, a distance of about nine miles.

I thanked him for his time and I shared a brochure about our ride with him.  Then I set out on the road.  Shortly after heading out another cyclist pulled out ahead of me.  I called out "on your left" and I passed him, surely thinking he would sit in my draft until I wore myself out and then pass me on his way up the hill.  I figured this was a local who knew the terrain and was going to let me just blow up and be amused by the whole thing.  Funny thing happened, I looked back about 200 yards later and he was falling farther behind and I wasn't even pushing hard.  I just found my groove and kept up the rythm that I knew I could handle.  The new saddle and tires were working great so far and I just kept at it figuring at the current incline of 4% how hard would it be.

And then it kicked up, and it started getting warmer!  The incline started jumping to 8%, 9% and then it settled in to a steady 6%.  Whew!  6% I could handle, since I did that the first day.  With that incline I knew what to expect and just kept pedaling away.  Before I knew it I was at 4000 feet and still going up.  4500 feet, 4600 feet and just when I thought I'd had enough I saw the little indication on the horizon that the road was about to dip down and I saw the first buildings of Yarnell!  I had made it!  Another milestone!  A steady 9 mile climb and I didn't crack!  And it was getting hotter!

Fortunately, according to my Adventure Cycling Association maps I knew that I was now going to have a steady decline for quite a while so I settled in to enjoy the ride - and filme some more with the Flip Camera Matthew had gifted us with on Thursday night.  The plan is for Sarah to begin editing these clips on a weekly basis so I can post here, on Youtube, and on Facebook for all to see.

This relative calm would only last me until about six miles outside of Wilhoit when I was caught by a peloton of riders who stayed with me for a while (a pity ride as it were) chatted with me and then left me as surely as I had left that rider back in Congress.  Humble pie for one!  I watched (and filmed) them ride away as I kept slogging along at my 15 mph pace.  I caught back up with them at a little store outside of Wilhoit where I stopped to refill again.  They were surprised I wasn't breathing heavy and wiped out since at this point I had ridden 35 miles.  And then I got the local knowledge again.  This time via the kind lady who ran the store where I stopped.  She told me it was 16 miles to Prescott and it was all uphill at about 6% the entire way.  Ooof!  Turns out she was right.

I followed my (dubiously) accurate maps and just kept climbing (see earlier post on "Just Keep Pedaling").  I just put it in the low gear and kept going and going, and every time I saw another hairpin turn or curve in the terrain I just put my head down and kept going as the elevation slowly creeped higher.  I finally got out of the desert scrub and found myself surrounded by vegatation and Pine Trees!!!!!!  And just when I thought I was going to explode, along came the Cavalry!  Amy and the kids came around the corner with that familiar blue tarp on top of the van and I knew that ice cold water and perhaps some food was at hand!  The only bad thing was I still had a good four miles of climbing left to go!!!!! 

(I'm HOW Far from Prescott?!?)

So I refueled and Amy told me that today was the start of Rodeo Days in Prescott, AZ  so they would have some fun there and then catch up with me later.  I started climbing again (by now the heat was starting to climb and it was only 10:00 in the morning) and Amy filmed some footage of me climbing for the documentary Phil Rosenberg is putting together for us.  She would film by the side of the road and then leapfrog ahead to catch more footage.  If I wasn't so concentrated on not falling over from exhaustion it would have been funny.  Eventually she and the kids headed off to Prescott.  And before I knew it I was at the top of my climbing for the day with a sign that declared I had reached 6100 feet!  And then a sign that declared Prescott as Arizona's Mile High City;

(5350?!?! - Where Did the Elevation Go?!?)

And in all of this climbing my shifting problems had come back which really didn't help matters at all.  I had resigned myself to just dealing with it when just on the outskirts of Prescott I came across Ironclad Bicycles!  I thought this was my lucky day as someone there could probably help me!  Unfortunately there was a sign posted on the door that said "Gone to Parade!  Back at 11:30".  As it was 11:20  I decided to take a break and wait.  While there I had a lovely conversation with Cindy about bikes, biking in Prescott, the area, how she originally came from Jersey City, NJ, our Ride Across America, Sunrise Day Camp, the heat, the elevation until we both realized it was 11:50 and it didn't look like they were going to make it back on time.  With 54 miles still to go I decided to suck it up and just ride on - but not before sharing a brochure with her.  I wish her lots of luck with getting back into shape and conquering the loop!

So I made my way into Prescott proper and found myself overwhelmed with cars, people in cowboy hats, and a lot of detour signs pointing me around the city if I wanted to keep following my route.  Eventually I got sort of lost but I ended up right on the door step of High Gear Bike Shop!  And it was open!  I was saved!  I walked in and was greeted by a cool, hip and funky establishment (they have lawn chairs made out of old bicycle rims!)  Their chief mechanic Steve put Pearl up on the stand and immediately saw what the problem was - the shifter cables and housing were old and binding, and the routing of said cables was causing problems.  He fixed both in a jiffy, I got some Jelly Belly Energy Beans, some Caffeine infused Gu, and some energy fruit chews and after spending $24 I was back on the road with some good advice, directions and I left a few borchures.  All praise and thanks to Steve and if you're ever in Prescott - go to High Gear Bike Shop!  And here is a clip of Steve fixing my ride;

I wish I could say that the rest of the trip was eventful but after another hour on the road (by now it was about 12:45) all I could think of was tucking my head down and keeping the pedals turning.  I saw more road kill, and a LOT of road.  Thank God there wasn't more huge inclines because I don't think I could have handled it.  Amy and the kids caught up to me once more to tell me about the incredibly cool parade, the fried bread they ate, how William his a sharpshooter with a suction cup crossbow, and how much fun they had watching all the events!  I wish I could have joined them but then I never would have made it to Ash Fork.  I had another 30 miles to go so after they refueled me I ducked my head and got back to pedaling.

But there were interesting to sights to see on this longest day yet.  For instance, I couldn't help but take a video of this amusing situation;

And then five miles outside of Ash Fork what I thought was potential disaster struck - I heard this sound that made me think my wheel was coming off!  I looked down and there was a piece of wire embedded in my tire that was hitting my brake every time it went around!  I REALLY did not want to ahve a flat tire on the side of the road in 110 degree heat!  I stopped and took out the wire and when the tire didn't immediately deflate I pressed on hoping for the best!  I finally made it in to Ash Fork with no deflation and realized I couldn't find the motel on my GPS!  I checked my messages and found that Amy had left me two decrying the disgusting conditions of the two places in town.  We had some decisions to make!

After catching up with them at the gas station we realized we couldn't stay here (even the lady in the gas station says no one stayed there unless they were snowed in) so we decided to drive to Williams, AZ.  This now left us with another dilemma - do I leave from Williams and cut out 17.5 miles from my journey, or do I wake the entire family at 5:00 in the morning and have them drive me back to Ash Fork so as not to skip any of the route.

And here is once again where I am so grateful to my wife!  Not only has she been the head roadie, tour director, PR officer, logistics expert, and so much more, here she became my main motivator.  As fried as I was, all I could think of was stopping.  She remnded me that I would not only feel guilty but that I would also regret not finishing what I started out, and that I couldn't let myself comprimise this early in the ride.  And she was right - as she always is! 

So we drove to Williams, cruised around to find the best (and most affordable place to stay) and ended up in the Motel 6 - RIGHT ON OLD ROUTE 66!!!!  WE'RE STAYING ON ROUTE 66!!!!!!  The kids were so excited and we headed off (after I cleaned 109 miles of road grime off of me) in searh of dinner.  We had intended to stop at one of the various kitschy places that has sprung up in Williams to cater to the Route 66 nostalgia hunters but intead found ourselves at Dairy Queen - a place William has always wanted to eat.  On the way we found this great statue that the kids just had to be photographed in front of;

After chili dogs, mile shakes and blizzards we headed back for a well deserved rest.  My road crew (James, William and Sarah) gave me a much needed message and we're now getting ready for bed - another early morning and lots to do before we leave - the kids and I are going to ride on Route 66 together!!!!!

FFR - 1 Rabbit, 1 Squirrel, 1 Coyote, 1 Deer, 1 Raven (finally, one of those things gets it), 1 bright bird (not sure w hat species), 2 UFO's, 1 Raccoon
RRL - 1 Toilet, 1 Cooler, 1 Cooler Lid (I think it may have been from the same one, only miles apart)

Stay well y'all, and I'll update from the road!

For another perspective on our journey - Amy's blog is http://www.crosscountrymama.blogspot.com/

Securely donate and help us get the kids to Sunrise at https://www.wizevents.com/register/register_add.php?sessid=1809&id=1056
Check out our website at http://www.connorsarmy.org/

And On the Sixth Day He Rested?

So last night we had an amazing dinner at the home of Matthew and Marian with some incredible stir fry that he created before our eyes.  It was so nice to go to bed knowing I didn't have to wake up at any particular time.

However, my awakening also brought back the memory that I had to once again go out in a strange town in search of someone to fix our car!!!!  At this point I'm of the mind that we've pumped so much into this van (about $1800 so far) that we might as well keep since we won't get our money back out of it.  Amy hates our dear friend Vannikin and wants to sell it the week we get back - if not sooner.

Anyway, last as we were unloading the van Matthew noticed that our front two wheels were dangerously worn down so today's quest was to get them replaced and the front end aligned if possible.  I thought it would be a simple quest and we would be able to take the family to go see a move - either Brave or Madagascar 3.  But it was not to be.

To make a long story very short (you know how that goes against my usual proclivities) we couldn't get the Kelly Tires replaced by a dealer because he didn't carry that brand and he said the wear looked like an alignment issue (although the technician in Clinton, OK said he checked the alignment) so it wouldn't be covered by the warranty anyway.

So I went to Discount Tire and had to spend almost $500 to have THREE tires replaced.  It seems the previous owner had gotten a hole in the sidewall and instead of replacing the tire, only had it patched and the patch had gone bad and was causing a slow leak.  So an hour and a half later I was heading back to Matthew's house.

Then Matthew and I took the car to his mechanic to get the front end aligned to make certain this wouldn't happen again (we hope!).  And then back to Matthew's to wait for the mechanic to tell us it was ready.  So instead of going to the movies the day was spent working on the website, catching up with e-mails and picking Matthew's brain for ideas on how to promote our Ride Across America.

Last night (in the 100+ heat) I did some work on Pearl and put on the parts I purchased at Performance Bike - Continental Gatorskin Tires and Selle Italia SMP saddle.  When we finally got the call that the car was ready ($154 later) I rode Pearl to pick it up and did some more adjustments on the saddle to get it dialed in.  Tomorrow's going to be a long ride so I want to make sure it fitted properly.

Amy spent the day doing all the laundry we've accumulated in two weeks and when I got the van back we loaded it up, had a great Pizza dinner with Matthew and his daughters and then we said our goodbyes and headed off to our Super 8 in Wickenburg.

The heat is going to be up around 115 degrees tomorrow and I have 106 miles to ride so I'm getting up at 4:00 to start on the road by 5:00.  A cold breakfast (its Super 8 - our favorite chain after all) and I'll be out the door.  I've got everything set and ready to not wake up the family - I just hope I survive the day!

And much thanks to Matthew and Marian not only for their hospitality in Phoenix but for all of their brainstorming and scope ideas - we hope we can put them into action soon!

Stay well and I'll update you from the road - if I survive tomorrow!

For another perspective on our journey - Amy's blog is http://www.crosscountrymama.blogspot.com/
Securely donate and help us get the kids to Sunrise at https://www.wizevents.com/register/register_add.php?sessid=1809&id=1056
Check out our website at http://www.connorsarmy.org/

Potpourri in the Desert

(It's Desert Sage Y'All)

Miles Ridden Today - 54.32    Average Miles Per Hour - 13.86

So today saw us experience a variety of sights, emotions, musing and thoughts as I headed away from our night’s sojourn in Salome, AZ.

The day began most beatifically with the sun coming up over the courtyard that opened up to our rooms. I don’t know if I really properly described how cool the Westward Motel really is. It’s a small establishment with only a few rooms but its so cool and funky. When you drive up there is an old rusted open top roadster parked in front. The initial thought might be, “I’m staying in a junkyard?” but then you look about and you see the car’s presence in purely intentional. Everywhere you turn there are metal sculptures and other works of art that have been curated by the owner Rande and his lady friend. It really is a funky and eclectic mix and when I walked into the room I shared with the boys the cowskin on the floor only served to enhance the funky cowboy hipster feel.

As I was stirring at 5:00 this morning getting all of my preparations in order I was particularly struck by the fact that the sun was unusually beautiful this morning as my door faced east and I could see the sun rising above the rooftops across the street and the Saguaro in the front yard. (Side note: we went out of town last night looking for the blooming Saguaros only to realize that we had gone out too late and although we could sort of see them blooming, we couldn’t take any pictures because the flash feature wasn’t working well on the camera. Also, James was a bit freaked out about being in the middle of nowhere with the car having 43 miles to empty. After a valiant try we gave up and decided to do it again at an earlier hour when we get further north.)

As I started to go into the kitchen (yes, you get a full kitchen for your use at the Westward Motel which we availed ourselves of last night as Amy made meat loaf and black bean burgers) Rande handed my a cup of the strongest jet fuel I have ever had the pleasure to consume. He promised me that this crank would get me to Wickenburg in no time. After breakfast I had the greatest conversation with Rande finding out about his interesting life as a roadie for rock bands, how he and his partner ended up in Salome (of all places), and what the future of the valley holds for those who live (and winter) there. It almost made me think people like Rande have it right, just drop off the grid and live a simpler existence - but then I thought about the 115 degree temperatures and realized that was just stupid.

But finally it was 5:45 and time to push off for the last ride before a rest day and the shortest ride so far. I was pumped. Again, I had the experience of being the only moving thing on the road and enjoying the freedom of being “king of the road” at least until the first semi came along.

I also had a more important purpose for my ride today. Although our Ride Across America is raising money for Sunrise Day Camp, today I was riding for someone else entirely. One of my students contacted me last night to let me know that her mother was having surgery on Friday. Her mother had contracted a non-invasive form of breast cancer when my student was seven and she had beaten it back then. Now ten years later she was facing the fight again and this time she will be having surgery on Friday to remove the cancer and to have a double mastectomy. It really sucks because after five years you figure you’ve beaten it! I love this kid and her family have always been so supportive of what we’ve tried to do with Connor’s Army so I promised her that this ride would be for her mother. So today, as I rode I constantly thought of the energy I put into the pedal strokes going into the universe to be directed towards this woman. As I’ve often said before, don’t have the money that I wish I had to give to the cancer community, but I do have my strength and my energy and today it all went to somebody who is going to need as much as I can give tomorrow morning. Her surgery is scheduled for early in the day and she’ll be in most of the day so if any of you can remember, please send her your energy too - we’re all in this fight together.

In between my thoughts of this valiant woman, I found myself engaging in other musings. The thought that kept coming to me over and over was of that Keep America Beautiful commercial from the 1970’s with the Native American who looked out upon the landscape of garbage that our nation was accumulating and the final shot was of him with a single tear rolling down his face;



As I rode this stretch of Arizonian back highway it seemed that I couldn’t ride fifty feet with seeing another piece of trash on the road - mostly quart sized beer bottles. Considering I’m now in the land of Jan Brewer one of my other thoughts was this is how she views her state - one large garbage dump! And in more extrapolative musings I thought this is how so much of our culture has come to view our country - just a place to throw our stuff and refuse. It’s truly saddening to see what could otherwise be such a beautiful, pristine desert marred by so much detritus.

I am usually thinking of the kids of Sunrise when I ride and today I ruminatined long on how today they are enjoying camp for the first time. How I’ve only been teaching there for two years but how they seem like my own kids. How I miss being there and playing the introductory theatre games with them that I would be playing with them right now.   How I will be missing some of thosse familiar faces that I have grown to look forward to seeing each summer. 

And after much ruminating and profound brain things inside my head (and after a much needed rest stop with the family 18 miles outside of Wickenburg) I finally rolled into Wickenburg.  I knew we were supposed to meet at the Super 8 where we'll be lodging on Friday night so I went there and gave Amy a call - only to be met with the message that I had no network coverage!  This is not good!  If I can't readch her in a town as large as this, I could be up a creek ( a very dry on mind you) without a paddle.   - I could end up on the  side of the road to Kayenta looking like this;

(New Jenny Craig Weight Loss System?)

Turns out there were enjoying the Desert Cabelleros museum and lost track of time but we went to a lovely restaurant and had an amazing lunch and headed back to the museum so they could show me their favorites.  They also had on display a Penny Farthing (otherwise known as a "bone shaker") and the way my rear feels from the last few days I might as well have been riding one of those!  Its amazing to think that people actually did what I'm doing on one of those back in the day.

Since I had finally had enough and knew I needed at least one new tire we decided to head off to the Peoria Performance Bike shop to get me some saddle relief and some heavy duty tires.  We ended up with two Continental Gatorskin tires and a Selle Italia SMP saddle but I have to say I wasn't too impressed with the service here.  The shop mechanic was friendlier and more helpful than the salespeople and seemed so much more knowledgable.  In the San Diego shop the young man there was great and helped us get exactly what we needed - here, not so much.

And then we finally headed off to Phoenix to visit one of Amy's oldest (not in age mind you since I know he reads this) and dearest friends.  He and his family (wife Marian, twin daughters Jordan and Claire) opened their arms (and home) to us, made us welcome, fed us (Matthew made us an unbelievable stir fry meal!) and let the boys take over the Wii for the evening.  Sarah and the girls bonded (she rendered them in her unique manga style drawing).  I did my much needed bike maintenance and we got the kids to bed.   After talking to Matthew for a while I finally had to hit the sack while Amy stayed up until almost 2:00 catching up.

Oh, and during the evening we discovered that the two new tires we bought in Clinton, OK are already worn out.  WE ARE NOT HAPPY!  But that will be a blog for tomorrow as we go in quest of fixing said tires.

And the reports for today (we may be trying something after this post - showing pictures of some of the detritus I find on the road!);

FFR - 1 Possum, 1 Squirrel, 1 Horny Toad (I didn’t know it was dead until it didn’t move when I rolled three inches from it), 1 UFO
RRL - 1 Toilet Bowl (mostly intact), 1 mattress, 1 cooler (they seem to be everywhere out here), and although I usually don’t include clothing - 1 enormous (I swear it was the largest I think I've ever seen) bra.

And here are some links you should check out!

Amy's blog is http://www.crosscountrymama.blogspot.com/
Securely donate and help us get the kids to Sunrise at https://www.wizevents.com/register/register_add.php?sessid=1809&id=1056
Check out our website at http://www.connorsarmy.org/

In The Land of the Saguaro!

Miles Ridden Today - 60.54  Average Miles Per Hour - 11.83

So today saw me once again waking up with the early morning light and heading out to take advantage of the cool temperatures. Today's ride was supposed to be shorter so I had every hope of being able to finish by 12:00 if I left early enough. But more on that later.

Its a little freeing and sort of eerie to be riding through a town in Arizona at 5:45 in the morning. I was riding down one of the main avenues and saw almost no cars at all, all of the major businesses (Carl's Jr., Wendy's, The Two Starbucks, etc.) were not yet open and the town was quiet with just the beginnings of dawn touching the buildings. It was me, my bike and the sun. I only had five miles or so to the California/Arizona border and I was enjoying the freedom of being the only one on the road. Oh, did I mention it was already 70 degrees?

Once I got to the border I had to engage in this convoluted way to get across the Colorado river. Now, considering this is the state that begat Ron Paul and Governor Jan Brewer, I half expected to see armed state police, or at least National Guardsmen waiting halfway across the pedestrian bridge to make sure I was not "undesirable" or at least that I hadn't any California produce on me (I didn't).

It was a rather pleasant ride to Quartzite although I had to ride on the shoulder of I-10 with all the big trucks whizzing by and all. It was when I pulled off the highway to refill my water supply at the Love's Truck stop that the weirdness kicked in - next to the Love's was a huge used car lot and in front of it was an armored half-track with a sign on the side that said "Military 4 Ron Paul". Hmmmm, a hostile takeover bid? I saw more of these signs scattered about as I passed through Quartzite although no more Army surplus vehicles appeared (whewwww!).

Although it was starting to heat up I was enjoying the morning as I had found a system of relieving the pressure on my posterior somewhat and I was able to look about a bit more. And I noticed that we finally were seeing Saguaro Cactus everywhere! We had seen them on the Planet Earth dvd and on the way out but now I could see them up close and personal and it was so cool. I could see which ones were blooming and which ones were bearing fruit. I could even see birds flying in and out of the cactii seeking shelter from the heat. And every now and then up on a desolate slope I could see a Lone Saguaro standing sentry against invaders from the valley floor below.

And then I realized that the gentle four percent climb I was on was still going up! All in all it went up for 10 miles!!!! A lot of pedaling uphill and it wasn't even 9:00 in the morning yet. But here is where I started to get a little nervous as my water supply was running low. I have pretty much begun to use my little one drink a mile trick to motivate me and conserve water but now I was dangerously low. However, I was very happy becuase the town of Brenda was just two miles away and I could make that. Besides, Amy and the kids would probably come along soon anyway.

And here is where I cursed the Adventure Cycling Association maps! Whereas yesterday they were wrong about the general store being open (it was) they said that Brenda had a grocery store that should be open. And so full of anticipation for some nice cold beverage I rolled up and then I noticed the lights off and the big "For Sale" signs on the windows - gaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhh! I checked the next place down the street - "Closed for the Season"! Now I had nowhere to get water and I was down to half a bottle and half of my bladder of ice water - and 11 miles to the next stop! Not to worry, I left a message for Amy on her cell and I sat down to rest in the shade of a bush for a few minutes. I must have dozed off becuase five minutes I realized I needed to push on and let Amy catch me.

So I headed off towards Hope, AZ and I was "hoping" (couldn't resist) that the restaurant shown on my map for Vicksburg would actually be open. And here is where I passed one of the most depressing areas we have passed through. Everyone I turned stores were closed or there were RV parks closed for the season, or there would be stores and properties for sale. I reminded me of that scene from the movie Cars where Sally tells Lighting about how the town used to be prosperous before the Interstate was built. It looked like this area used to thrive but now with no commerce there was no reason for people to live there or shop there.

And yet I pedaled on. No Vannikan Roadwalker in sight.

I finally reached Vicksburg, AZ and there was a restaurant open - the KOFA Diner - yayyyyy!!!!! I went in and offered to pay for ice water but the waitress waved that off, so I bought a huge 32 oz Mountain Dew instead. And then got a free refill. I finished it up, thanked her for her kindness and then remounted - only 11 miles to go!!!!
 
On the way I passed through Hope, AZ. Again, a very small town with not much in it to pique interest until I came upon the following sign;
 

 
And I had a very sad thought, all that money for a great sign and they mispelled it.

I kept counting down the miles and rationing my water and execting to see the van coming down the road but no van as I reached Haucuva, three miles outside of Salome. I was empty again so I went into a restaurant/bar and they refilled me for free again. A great place called Buckaroo's which had a great looking menu and a Western theme (go figure).

And 20 minutes later I was rolling into Salome "Where She Danced", AZ. After inquiring at the Post Office I found the motel and walked into what William described as "the coolest Motel ever!!!!" As soon as we have pictures loaded up I'll put some photos up of the place, the Westward Motel. After cleaning up (and feeling remarkably good) we went in search of groceries and pizza. We bought the fixings for meat and black bean loaf and dropped it off before going to (of all places) Buckaroo's - where we had some amazing pizza.

As we returned I got to meet Rande our host who told me that three members of one of the Race Across America teams came through here just a few days agoand stayed in this very hotel - I feel so honored to be following in their tire tracks!  Then the kids had the best surprise of all - parked on the street outside was a HUUUUUUGGGEEEEEEE John Deere harvesting machine! Again, as soon as we get the photo loaded I'll show you the biggest vehicle I have ever stood next to! The driver said he harvests from Southern Arizona all the way up to Canada and back and he was no headed up for North Dakota - and he was Austrlian, it was so cool!

(Please Honey????  Can I Get One?????)

And now we have had dinner and we are headed out to the desert to see if we can find any Saguaro's in bloom with hopes that we can see some night pollinators in action! It has been a great day, a bit scary with worrying about dehydration, but a fantastic day nonetheless!

Oh, and the reports for the day;

FFR - 1 squirrel, 2 UFO's (one of which was becoming part of the Circle of Life by way of two of the biggest crows I have ever seen!)
RRL - 1 Packing Blanket, 1 cooler top, LOTS OF GARBAGE EVERYWHERE.

And that's it for now,

Stay well and I'll update from the road!