Hello all
Thanks for following my posts. This was a relatively short ride of 60 miles with 2 good size climbs. The change in terrain is amazing as we go from the desrt to mountain pine. There is a forest fire outside Prescott which caused a degree of concern. At times we could barely smell the smoke but could see it in the distance.
After riding pretty hard for the first 4 days, I decided to take it easy and not push. I did get a flat but was no big deal since I didn’t feel like I was in a hurry. The weather was 20 degrees cooler although climbing felt hot when you do it in the sun for 7 miles at a crack. The descents were fun as we ripped down the mountain passes.
Prescott is a cool town and would seem like a nice place to visit for more than a day. Tomorrow we go through Jerome and I hear that is a current hot spot for art and the “in crowd”. We may just spend some time there before going on to our ultimate destination of Cottonwood. Trying to get out of my “race mentality” as I think that I will lose some of the enjoyment of the scenery and the company of my new friends.
Tony Hill was banged up from his wreck of yesterday but smiled, grimaced and rode the entire distance today. We all tend to cheer for each other and no one likes to see anyone have a bad day, mishap or whatever. At the beginning of this ride, we all made a commitment to pull each other through this and I see evidence of it every day.
I will add a fw photos and hope that Pat sends over a few of hers as they are better than mine and she takes LOTS of photos.
If anyone has any questions or comments, I would love to hear from you.
Oh one funny story. I was standing in the hotel lobby when I ran into an old friend from my AG Edwards days, Bill Sobie. Bill worked for Thomson Financial and we worked on a project for 3 years. Never know when old faces might pop up. Bill is from Wisconsin but has been doing some consulting work in St. Louis, so we said we’d get together after I get back.
Ciao
Chuck
chuckhardesty 
Welcome to central AZ. Do take a break in Jerome–it is all downhill from there to Cottonwood. I look forward to seeing yellow shoes flit through Sedona. Oak Creek Canyon on a Saturday can be crowded with tourists and the climb from Pumphouse Wash up the switchbacks will be a bit of a challenge with the tourist traffic . I’m an old AGE client, a raod biker from Wisconsin, and a long time SI guy. Best wishes.
Hi Ron,
Thanks for stopping by and giving out some of the home town secrets! I have been through Sedona a few years ago with the GABA tour. I did stop by the brand new AGE office that had opened that day to say “Hi”. I did a little riding up in Door County Wi as well. Nice place to ride. What is your SI handle? I’d love to meet you in Sedona for a few minutes if possible. I think we are supposed to wear our team jerseys that day but the yellow shoes are hard to miss…
Ciao Chuck
Chuck
Chuck:
SI handle is RonM. Do you folks have a rest stop planned in Sedona? Or??
Hi Ron,
It looks like another short day of only 47.5 miles. We typically start at 7:15 or so. Sedona is about 20 miles away from where are in Cottonwood. I could meet you somewhere that is close to the main highway. i have been through Sedona once before. I may know more tonight after our group rap. We don’t all ride at the same pace and typically we go out in 2 groups. I go out with the riders who tend to mash the gears a little more aggressively. Any suggestions on a place to meet? I think we come in on 89. I wouldn’t want you to have to wait around…..
Chuck:
I’m quite close to 89A. I can meet you on the route. How about at a little coffee shop called New York Bagels. It is on your left less than a half mile beyond the intersection with Northview/Mountain Shadows and 89A. Hampton Inn is the landmark at that intersection.
Cottonwood-Sedona has a bit of gain but should be pretty quick–particularly if the SW winds keep blowing.
I’ll be at NYB about 8:15, wearing some old bike tee. I’m the old guy with white hair sitting outside looking for yellow shoes.
Hi Ron,
That sounds great. I may not ride that fast and sometimes we get a little later start. We all will be wearing our CrossRoads Jerseys but the yellow shoes are hard to miss. We typically send out 2 groups of riders – the first leaves 30 minutes before us so if you see a lot go by, I will probably be a little later.
Chuck