Miles: 37.8 part of 40
Time: 3:13
Total Ascent: 2356ft
Average: 11.8
Max Speed: 30.6
Est. Calories: 2438
Well, today was better than expected. I was not as strong as I would have liked given my travails of yesterday, but the short day today (40miles) and a later start time helped the recovery. But, I still had an up and down kind of day, as you will see. (Due to the late time, I'll be adding pictures on Sunday during our OFF day.)
Like most days, we start by getting up and slathering ourselves with "ODE D'SPF45", with an ample supply of various Butt-Balms, while still dark out. We then pump up tires. We did have a nice down hill out of town today, and then joined the world of false flats and a fairly serious climb up to the highest point of the ride at 7,032ft of elevation. From the top of the climb we had a 12 mile down hill. Some bikers were smart enough to take a SAG down the hill...Hill hell, it was a mountain. After only 7 miles down, we came to Jerome, an old mining town right on the edge of the mountain that has turned into a tourest town.
We did meet a 20 year old with a hybrid (being kind) with a trailer, at the SAG at the summit of the hill. The significance of this is that he also didn't have rear breaks, and he passed me flying down the next 12 miles downhill, with a casual "on your left". You should know that the corners of the road going down were like wash-boards from cars breaking into these corners on hot days, pushing the macadam up. Fearless or foolish, I do hope he gets where he is going.
In Jerome we downed a couple of great (for real) burgers at the Jerome Palace. While at the Palace we were talking to a couple next to us from Boston of all places. The conversation included discussions about Anchor House (see INTRO for more on Anchor House), and they asked how they could learn more. I gave them the AH site and my blog address, with the hope that something good will come of their interest.
Once out of the restaurant, we continued our 12 mile down hill from the summit. I suggested the Bob and I stop occassionally stop to cool our rims; especially given the 90+ degree day, lengthy stretch of "scrubbing speed", and for me, the extra weight. We of course were doing just fine, when about 500 feet from the end of the down hill, and I lost the rear tire....a complete and major blow out. Between the blow out and trying to stop, there wasn't anything left of the tire to speak of. While trying to slow down, I managed to take a round tire and make it somewhat flat. I really couldn't afford to put all the stopping effort on the front and take a chance that that tire would go down too, and leave me with no control. And no, don't ask how fast I was going, because I have no clue. The good news was that I didn't "lose"it and have to go down, and the "SAG" wagon was soon on the scene to bring me in the last 3 miles. I had a tire with me. but the wheel rim was now like a razor, and it would not hold a tire. While there was a wheel in the storage truck that I will be able to use for a day, I will have the pleasure of buying a new wheel when we get into Flagstaff tomorrow.
Oh, well, they did bill this tour as an "Adventure", and I seem to be getting my share of adventure this first week. One other biker said that I should not buy a lotto ticket because I have used up all my luck. See ya...
Like most days, we start by getting up and slathering ourselves with "ODE D'SPF45", with an ample supply of various Butt-Balms, while still dark out. We then pump up tires. We did have a nice down hill out of town today, and then joined the world of false flats and a fairly serious climb up to the highest point of the ride at 7,032ft of elevation. From the top of the climb we had a 12 mile down hill. Some bikers were smart enough to take a SAG down the hill...Hill hell, it was a mountain. After only 7 miles down, we came to Jerome, an old mining town right on the edge of the mountain that has turned into a tourest town.
We did meet a 20 year old with a hybrid (being kind) with a trailer, at the SAG at the summit of the hill. The significance of this is that he also didn't have rear breaks, and he passed me flying down the next 12 miles downhill, with a casual "on your left". You should know that the corners of the road going down were like wash-boards from cars breaking into these corners on hot days, pushing the macadam up. Fearless or foolish, I do hope he gets where he is going.
In Jerome we downed a couple of great (for real) burgers at the Jerome Palace. While at the Palace we were talking to a couple next to us from Boston of all places. The conversation included discussions about Anchor House (see INTRO for more on Anchor House), and they asked how they could learn more. I gave them the AH site and my blog address, with the hope that something good will come of their interest.
Once out of the restaurant, we continued our 12 mile down hill from the summit. I suggested the Bob and I stop occassionally stop to cool our rims; especially given the 90+ degree day, lengthy stretch of "scrubbing speed", and for me, the extra weight. We of course were doing just fine, when about 500 feet from the end of the down hill, and I lost the rear tire....a complete and major blow out. Between the blow out and trying to stop, there wasn't anything left of the tire to speak of. While trying to slow down, I managed to take a round tire and make it somewhat flat. I really couldn't afford to put all the stopping effort on the front and take a chance that that tire would go down too, and leave me with no control. And no, don't ask how fast I was going, because I have no clue. The good news was that I didn't "lose"it and have to go down, and the "SAG" wagon was soon on the scene to bring me in the last 3 miles. I had a tire with me. but the wheel rim was now like a razor, and it would not hold a tire. While there was a wheel in the storage truck that I will be able to use for a day, I will have the pleasure of buying a new wheel when we get into Flagstaff tomorrow.
Oh, well, they did bill this tour as an "Adventure", and I seem to be getting my share of adventure this first week. One other biker said that I should not buy a lotto ticket because I have used up all my luck. See ya...
On the right is a piece of the 12 mile down hill with the town and the hotel well on the distant horizen. And yes, it is steeper then it looks.
Glad to hear you finally got some down hill time. You've certainly earned it. Enjoy your day of rest, new rear rim, and seek out some great food. The daily commentary on your adventure is great!
ReplyDeleteBuckeye Cuz
Hi Cuz, this is the niece! Hope you all are well! You too, Uncle! Stay cool (if you can!) If you can't stay cool, at least stay upright....LOL.
ReplyDeleteBoy, all this talking in code is bizzare.