103 miles horizontally and 1.5 miles vertically today. Rode 3 big climbs, the last one finishing at 7023 feet. Really good day today, rode strongly at the front of the group all day.
Luggage load was at 5:20 and we left breakfast at 6:20. First hour or so was a little cold for the first time, but soon warmed to the high 70's once the sun got up. 'Lunch' was at 42 miles and over one big hill and halfway up the next. We were expected there between 10 and 11, but several of us got there at 9:45. Knowing that we were well ahead of schedule it meant the rest of the day we could take it fairly steadily. The photo is near the top of the second climb. That was the typical terrain, winding roads made for fairly fast, fairly technical descents. Didn't push too hard, would be mad to crash.
From the final climb we descended to 5000 feet and the town of Jerome. There's The Haunted Burger Bar here. Don't know what's haunted about it, but they make the best burgers I've tasted. It's a tradition that the ride always stops there. Also fantastic view over the desert plains and mountains for about 50 miles. Full of burger and chips we descended another 3000 feet to the town of Cottonwood. Got to a top speed of 36 mph. Would have been quicker, but the winds were getting up by then.
There's not been one day so far where everyone has made it in. One guy was in the van all day with a knackered knee and I think a few others didn't make it over the final climb in time.
Had a slight twinge in my knee today. Hopefully pain killers will take care of it. Other than that a perfect day. Another set of climbs tomorrow, but they don't hold any fear, it's the winds I can't stand.
It's the wild west out here, they really do wear cowboy hats.
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