I started out slow as we exited Safford, worried about the climbs ahead. Felt like I was really dragging, but then I realized we were on a long slight uphill that went on for miles. Then there were a few rollers, a really nice downhill, a pretty good climb followed by a really great downhill. The only problem was that now we were at the very bottom of the valley and we had a long climb ahead. It started out moderate then got steeper (in the granny now), then road flattened out and I could see the real climb for the day laid out in front of me. I couldn’t tell exactly where it went, hoping it didn’t go where I thought it would – it did. I found a good pace and just kept pedaling up the switchbacks. At one point I looked up and though “o no!”, but then I looked back where I came from and thought “I can do that again.”
The sky was overcast which kept the climbing cool. At the top our checkpoint, Rochell had a little fire going for us and we were able to relax and eat the sandwiches that were waiting for us. Then it was back onto the road and into the Gila National Forest – trees again! On the downhill I wanted to go slow just to look at the scenery, but finally had to stop to take pictures. The rest of the day was mostly rollers and generally downhill.
I stopped for a couple of beers at the Last Chance liquor store before getting to camp with Dave and Matt – they were finishing two six-packs and stayed to have more after I left.
We’re at this rustic (rundown) Christian camp, there’s nothing to do except write and commune with our fellow riders. We’re also in bunk beds in large dorm rooms hopefully it will be quiet. The food is good, even though they want to serve us restaurant style, which is a little slow.
81.4 miles - 5,890 feet of climbing - 35,000 in 11 days