Little did we know when we began, how much we would enjoy our quiet two mile bike out of town;
just about the only flat stretch we would experience the rest of the day. The “climbing” began with a short walk up a dirt path
to the bridge that would take us over the Colorado River
and into Arizona.
A few minutes later, we had to get on the interstate for a long and loud ride with the trucks.
Though the shoulder was wide, the road/tire wire and glass kept us focused down.
We crossed dry river beds,
saw lots of Cowboy cactus (Saguaro)
and enjoyed the varying hills (from a distance).
We took advantage of every possible water and shade stop. This rest area had exotic green trunked trees
and other critters
we’d prefer not to see.
Climbing was slow but steady, even with a 12 mile stretch on the highway;
it took us two hours of biking to go only 17 miles.
Our return to a quiet service road took us past Dome Rock
and more beautiful desert mountains.
It was only 11:00 a.m. when we choose to take advantage of a food break at a truck stop. A good lunch and freshly iced water bottles, we returned to the interstate on our eastward trek. The southwest wind reminded us that, though the sun was hot, the temps were still in the low 80’s; a very pleasant day.
Blooming wild flowers,
exotic trees
and cacti,
wild animals
and continuous climbing filled our afternoon. A short ride through a nice valley, again offered variety we were not expecting….
…the sign was right (look at that swirling dust)
This couple mile flat stretch had an eire,
ominous feel.
But our little valley soon came to an end and once again we climbed;
the wind now behind us and offering a much needed boost up our last hill. The “town” of Hope was six miles from the end of our climbing for the day; we hoped this sign
was not an omen.
Our last mile into town, left us with some misgivings
as to whether it was now a ghost town.
But our motel, though scrappy on the outside, was clean and comfortable inside and dinner was across the parking lot and delicious.
Our 63 mile day, included three good climbs. Still hungover from our long ride from the day before, we were (once again) exhausted……kinda felt good!