Hello everyone,

Yesterday’s ride from Wickenburg to Prescott was both challenging due to the constant climbing and winds but was also one of the most scenic days on the tour. On a sobering note, we passed several dedications to the 19 brave Firefighters who perished battling afforest fire near Yarnell AZ. These are very small communities and the loss was devastating.

Along the way, I took a lot of photos and stopped often because I was tired. The altitude didn’t seem to affect me very much but the atmosphere is very drying and it is imperative to keep dining even though it wasn’t quite as hot as the desert.

We encounter lots of what is known as false flats on the ride. It looks like the ground is level but you are actually pedaling uphill. It seems asI get older, I manage to find a lot more false flats.

Randy from Springfield, Illinois had a close encounter with a deer on a descent and Alan had a close encounter with a truck pulling a trailer. The truck passed fine but he cut in before the trailer was clear. I had a similar encounter with a truck about 11 years ago but the trailer managed to pull me down . I lost a lot of skin and had contusions but nothing serious. I did see a coyote another small critters.

The terrain changed sharply yesterday from high desert to mountain with Ponderosa Pine. It is amazing as we go from arid, to agriculture areas to mountain resort. I had to pedal about a half mile over a dirt road and waited about 20 minutes for the flagman to wave us through. I was in Prescott about a mile from the hotel so it was a bit of a bummer to sit in the sun at that stage. We did have a 5 mile descent into Prescott and that was a big plus after all the climbing.

I went to the local bike shop to see if I could find a lighter weight camel back and a small fanny pack. I have been lugging roundabout 25 extra pounds and my lower back was beginning to kill me. I suspect with the lower weight, I will be a bit faster.

Went to diner with Randy (Springfield), Herm (near Detroit), Richard (UK), Tim (UK) and Geoffrey (UK). We had some 22 ounces glasses of a local version of adult beverages. Geoffrey explained that it was good for rehydration. It was a un time at dinner. I had a good laugh at Geoffrey’s description of American Football. “A bunch of standing around with nothing happening and pretty soon a whole new set of blokes runs unto the field”. Geoffery is about the oldest rider along and one of the funniest.He consistently comes in among the last riders. He isn’t all that slow but likes to “putter” along the way.

As a note, I will periodically remind everyone that I am riding for TheWoundedWarrior Project. Thanks for your support to the warriors who have sacrificed for us.

Tailwinds

Chuck