Kathy and I said goodbye to Cheryl today. She's flying home from Phoenix. We spent nearly 60 miles just getting to the east end of Phoenix, then after lunch in Apache Junction the climbing began. Serious climbing.
After 5 hours of warming up, the climb to Superior--30miles, was kind of hard work. But it was a piece of cake compared to the next 11 miles. At the top we were too tired to really enjoy the 8 mile descent to Miami/Globe, site of a huge copper mine, and blessedly, some motels. 106 miles, around 6000 feet of climbing, seven and a half hours in the saddle.
Almost forgot to mention the worst part--a tunnel east of Superior so steep we had to ride it in our easiest gear--34x27-- while cars and trucks whizzed past with their gas pedals floored due to the climb. And the trucks coming the other way use their Jake brakes to help slow down. Amazingly loud, definitely scary. Maybe Cheryl knew exactly what she was doing missing that part.
We'll sleep well tonight.
Doug
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