Yesterday was another hard day of climbing. The granny gear has been a lifesaver again the last two days. We've now climbed the two highest elevation gains of our trip (7600 and 6800 ft) and ridden two of the six centuries. Our leaders say that the first week is the hardest! (Hope that is true!)
Yesterday the scenery was spectacular! We had driven through Oak Creek Canyon several times and as I (Janie) was pedaling along yesterday, I had to think -- never in my wildest dreams would I have ever thought we would ever bike up. Yesterday's elevation gain of 6800 feet included the climb out of the canyon toward Flagstaff. There were numerous switchbacks. I kept my eyes on the road and would not allow myself to look at the road below. At the top we took time to enjoy the view of the road winding toward the top.
Yesterday the scenery was spectacular! We had driven through Oak Creek Canyon several times and as I (Janie) was pedaling along yesterday, I had to think -- never in my wildest dreams would I have ever thought we would ever bike up. Yesterday's elevation gain of 6800 feet included the climb out of the canyon toward Flagstaff. There were numerous switchbacks. I kept my eyes on the road and would not allow myself to look at the road below. At the top we took time to enjoy the view of the road winding toward the top.
We did experience our first mechanical problem yesterday (besides flat tires). As we were riding through Sedona, we broke our shifting cable. We were about 1.5 miles from a bike shop and pushed/coasted to the shop. As you would guess, they did not have a cable long enough for our "carriage." So, we called our SAG and they dug through our bags and found one of the extra cables we had brought along. This put us back 2.3 hours, but we were delighted that we still had time to finish the trip to Flagstaff. We were the last ones getting in last evening, but we made it!
The weather yesterday was sunny and not too warm. The area around Sedona is beautiful and there were lots of birds singing as we rode up the canyon. I must say that I (LaVern) could not enjoy it as much as I would have liked. With the delay there was not extra time to stop and enjoy the sights. The road through Oak Creek Canyon is two lanes without a berm. It required concentration to ride as close to the edge as was comfortable (sometimes without a guard rail) so that cars could still get by. There are tour buses on this stretch but at least there were no semis.
Ya'll did awesomme! I remember the elevation made it that more diffiecult for me. Those buses are crazy! Rest up!!
ReplyDeleteSomeday you'll go back (not by bike)and reminisce...then you'll truly enjoy the sights and find the birds.
ReplyDeleteYour leaders are telling it straight. The first week is the hardest. Not that you will be be lacking challenges in the coming days but the first week is the toughest. Congrats on making it to your 1st day of rest.
ReplyDeleteBob
Don't know how you're doing it, LaVern. I biked along the Rhine yesterday. Was glad to get back off the bike and not have to do it again today. I'll look for you down Main Street in Goshen one of these days!
ReplyDeleteHey, you guys are doing great! The views you describe remind us of our time in Tucson last winter. Keep on keeping on!
ReplyDeleteChet and Ruthann