We are heading over the mountains on the horizon. As you can see, we are sharing the road with the cars and trucks, in a very cozy fashion.
At Mingus Pass
Beautiful vistas with mountains in the distance toward Flagstaff
Road descending down the pass. My hands became quite sore from fanning the brakes the entire way down in order to negotiate the hairpin turns. Due to the complete lack of a shoulder, we were advised to "take the lane" to the consternation of some of the motorists. Oh, well.
There was a potentially very serious incident that occurred today on Mingus Mountain. As we were ascending, a car coming the opposite direction lost control, crossed the center line, spun completely and plunged off our side of the road. After rolling, it came to a stop some thirty feet below the edge of the road, wedged between a tree and some large rocks. When it spun to our side of the road, the car passed between two of our riders who were riding less than 100 ft. apart. Miraculously, none of us were hurt nor was the driver of the car, although he could very well have been in a state of shock.
Before we could get down to the wreckage, the driver worked himself free. He was driving a 1988 Porsche 944, no airbags.
Almost unbelievably, this is the driver (in the foreground), minutes after the crash.
Continuing on our way to Cottonwood, we had lunch and did a little sightseeing in the historic mining town of Jerome.
Nick (UK), Mike K., Chuck (MO), John (UK), Mike F. (CA), Rich (OH)
Alice's Restaurant (Jerome, AZ)
Total Miles: 44 Total Vertical Climb: 4300 ft.
Holy cow the Porsche incident is amazing. If you had a movie camera you could have made a few bucks on the side. This is starting to measure up to my Tony LoForte cross country trip. Except it was we who ran off the road nearly the same place. And it was snowing. And a Buick. Mike you can't make this stuff up, what with the photo and all. I'll find someone who can help with the screenplay (20% cut). This is Kerouac material. Jim
ReplyDeleteMike, Great Blog! This now gets a visit before ESPN.com. How the guy walks away from driving the car off a cliff is amazing. See you soon. SZ
ReplyDeleteit just keeps getting better and better. its a miracle that nobody was hurt.glad your safe keep writing i look forward to hearing about your adventures every morning steve
ReplyDeleteMike,
ReplyDeleteAfter our conversation yesterday,it was hard to imagine the driver walking away. Looking at your photo it's more amazing. In the picture he looks like the reporter on the scene using his iphone to snap pics and call it in to the newsroom. By the way did you run into Arlo at Alice's restaurant? You guys look quite relaxed or is just spent? Have a great ride to Flagstaff and watch out for flying debris...like cars. Love you, Diana
Amazing. Did you get everything that you want at Alice's Restaurant? love you brother, Annie
ReplyDeleteMike,
ReplyDeleteSent a comment yesterday but it doesn't appear that it was published. "Be careful out there"!! Flying cars and the heat plus the vertical climbs. Have fun and enjoy the adventure.
Dave
Wow that is totally amazing that that driver was not injured, and thank God everyone is safe!! Am thoroughly enjoying your blog. You're going thru some beautiful country now, but it also is most likely the most demanding part of the trip. Stay safe cousin.
ReplyDeleteThat was some accident,thank goodness that you all were ok as we'll a the driver of the car,looks like the car is a goner for sure. Great pictures,kinda cool to be taking a break at Alice's Restaurant. Beth
ReplyDelete