“The memories will be so thick they’ll have to brush them away from their faces.” Terrance Mann Field of Dreams

Hello everyone,

I love the movie Field of Dreams with Kevin Costner especially the character of Terrance Mann as played by James Earl Jones.  One thing about this ride that has been totally unexpected is how memories from XC 12 come flooding back when I visit a sight, hotel lobby or piece of the road. It dislike I am doing two rides: reliving the ride from 2 years ago and experiencing a whole new set on this ride. I often think of mr riding companions from XC 12 and the fun times we had together.

I am writing this on my “rest”  day in Flagstaff. Some of our group is off to see the Grand Canyon but most are taking it easy. As before, we have an eclectic group of riders. Several are experiencing physical issues and we pray they will abate and allow them to continue. This first week has been physically demanding in many ways with quad breaking climbs, harrowing descents, ferocious headwinds and other road hazards. The heat has not been an issue though and for that we can be thankful.

The ride yesterday was nothing short of spectacular. We basically were climbing or descending all day with the emphasis on climbing. We did the ride from Cottonwood to Sedona in the company of thousands of other cyclists who just so happened to be riding at the sometime. The red rocks of Sedona seem surreal and even the rock formations seem lunar at times. I rode most of the way with Herm and Randy into Sedona and we stopped for a cup of coffee to take in the views and have a rest. Randy has been experiencing some severe pain in his knee and will be going to the emergency room to check out his ailment.

From Sedona it is a 12 miles plus climb up to the top where the SAG was situated. Part of the way into the climb, Randy  decided to take the SAG because of the pain so Hem and I rode up to the SAG. As you can see from my photos, the views are stunning. The ride up is tough because the roads are narrow, of spotty quality, considerable traffic and some part have a difficult grade and the wind often changes. It was getting hot when we reached the top and the SAG.

Stuart and Joann were in the SAG when we arrived. It was a welcome site and we lingered probably longer than recommended. Too much rest makes it more painful when you get back on the bike. The view from the summit though is worth the climb as one can see the entire road snaking through the canyon.

The ride into Flagstaff was about 13 more miles and many on “rollers” but the road was still narrow and a few drivers inconsiderate. As Herm pointed out later though, most of the drivers are respectful of the cyclists. On the climb, occasionally cars queued up behind us and we pulled over so  the ye could pass. I get annoyed with cyclist who don;t extend this courtesy to drivers as it tends to build up the car – cyclist animosity. In that battle, cyclists always lose. Share the road means us too….

After we go in into the beautiful Drury Inn in flagstaff, we cleaned our bikes and went to Dairy Queen for some much deserved muscle rebuilders. Many of us went to dinner at a local establishment were they serve adult beverages. It was a fun evening.

Did my laundry this morning and we will rechecking out the town and local bike shop this afternoon.

Would welcome any thoughts or comments that you may have!

Tailwinds

Chuck

PS To my Arizona friends, this state is one of the most diverse from an environmental and scenic perspective. It constantly changes and there is not a better way to see vast stretches than by bicycle.