We had an odd start to today,up for breakfast at 06.00,to be told by Paula that it was a 07.30 start today as it was cold.Back to our room after breakfast to get out our jackets,and have a read.Went back for the start at 07.20 to be told that everybody had gone,although we were on time.So just the two of us set off along the AZ89,a wide fast road but with a good hard shoulder.After about 10 Kms I came across a pair of cycling glasses,so put them in my pocket.The scenery soon took on a majestic appearance with sculpted mountains erupting from the plains.After 19 miles we caught up the group who had all stopped at the Pink Pig for coffee in Sedona.After a half hour break we said goodbye to the pig and rode along into a canyon,and after a little while the Sliding Rock State Park.This part of the ride must rank as the most beautiful road I have ever ridden along.Sensational red rocks/mountains,a gently moving stream,dappled shade from the trees of the Coconino national forest.Always gently upwards and a ride that has made the trip worthwhile on it's own.The photos will not do it justice,but you can admire them anyway.After 12 miles we started a very fine ascent,only 2.5 miles long,but richly wooded with many twists and turns,up to our refreshment stop for the day.Lovely views back to the road we had ascended,a small market of local Indian goods,and a bowl of fruit salad.
The last 10 miles were along a switch back upwards,slightly trying for weary legs but with a glorious view of a snow capped mountain and so to the Comfort Inn.No rooms were ready so we all sat around the hot tub dangling our feet in the warm water,eating Tom's chips and more of Paula's fruit salad.A fitting end to a challenging and memorable first week.During which we have cycled 541 miles and climbed 25,197 feet,but have only descended 18,142 feet so there must be a treat in store soon.
Cleaned the bikes,oiled them ready for monday and enjoyed a lovely ice cream.Photos of the amazing rock formations ,a view back down the hill we cycled up,and elizabeth at rest.Note the snow on the mountain top in the very last pic.
The last 10 miles were along a switch back upwards,slightly trying for weary legs but with a glorious view of a snow capped mountain and so to the Comfort Inn.No rooms were ready so we all sat around the hot tub dangling our feet in the warm water,eating Tom's chips and more of Paula's fruit salad.A fitting end to a challenging and memorable first week.During which we have cycled 541 miles and climbed 25,197 feet,but have only descended 18,142 feet so there must be a treat in store soon.
Cleaned the bikes,oiled them ready for monday and enjoyed a lovely ice cream.Photos of the amazing rock formations ,a view back down the hill we cycled up,and elizabeth at rest.Note the snow on the mountain top in the very last pic.
Well done - I bet you have been looking forward to today! Does Elizabeth have a different view of the 'treat' in store? A training ride today?
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