Up To Prescott

Before posting the details of today's ride, I would like to thank all of you who have taken the time to post comments on my blogsite.  It's always great to hear from you especially during this adventure.  Unfortunately, I don't really have time to individually respond to you.  A typical day begins with rising at 5:00am, loading up the bike saddle pack, water bottles, Camelback, energy food for the first two hours, Endurolytes, dressing for desert survival, slathering on sunscreen, SPF50 lip balm and Chamois Butt'r (don't ask), pumping up bike tires to 110 psi, having breakfast and getting on the road.  I have been hand washing my desert outfit every day and it's looking worse for the wear. 

Also, by way of explanation, the "Total Vertical Climb" information that I have been mentioning every day is NOT the net elevation game but, rather, the total distance traveled uphill.  It's derived from Garmin / GPS data which is provided by CrossRoads and is a good measure of degree of effort required.

Finally, for those of you who have enjoyed the great photos from previous trips that Diana and I have taken, you must be sorely disappointed with my blogsite photos.  My only explanation is that my friend, Jim J., is not with me to work his photographic magic. 

The ride to Prescott (pronounced pres-cut by the locals) was not as long as our previous rides.  However, it was marked with beautiful vistas of the flowering desert and a minimal amount of vehicular traffic. 

  

Today also had all the climbing that you could want (if that's the right word).  We ascended our first mountain pass, Yarnell, followed by another just outside of Prescott, which reached 6,100 ft.  The "false summits" tested our resolve as they only masked yet more switchbacks.

The downhills were frequently exhilarating as we whipped through hairpin turns with the greatest of faith in our high pressure tires and brakes.  I topped out at 39.2 mph on one run.  Yowee!!

Temps today moderated to 90 degrees but we were still pouring water all over ourselves at every opportunity to offset the body heat generated by the climbing.

Had a chance to check out Prescott this evening.  It's a rather quaint place.  There are numerous historical markers harking back to its 1880's origins as well as an eclectic population due to the presence of the university (kind of like Marquette).  There is also an abundance of outdoor adventure activities in the area. 

On a humorous note, Tony, the UK bloke who got banged up in the pace line crash yesterday, has been regularly Skyping his wife back in the UK.  When they connected last night, Tony tried to keep his head turned during the conversation so as to hide the bandage on the side of his face.  Of course, being a woman, she immediately knew that  something was up and directed him to look into the camera.  How do they do it?

Total Miles:  60.   Total Vertical Climb:  7400 ft.