We completed a 78 mile ride yesterday from Yarnell to Cottonwood that took us through some beautiful mountains and provided some fantastic vistas. We spent most of the day either climbing steep mountain grades or flying down descents at breakneck speeds. It was a good day.
Dan and I realize now that we were both dehydrated on Wednesday (perhaps me more than Dan). I believe the dehydration really started on Day 3 when we crossed the Colorado Desert in Southwest California. We need to make sure we are hydrating properly, which means drinking water almost continuously. The good news is despite spending 8 1/2 hours on the bike yesterday and completing two very difficult climbs, I am feeling much better.
We met Bob McCall, a 68-year-old cyclist at the top of our first climb. Bob was a great guy and obviously was in fantastic shape as he routinely cycled from his home in Prescott(elev 5368) up to the top of the mountain (6000 ft.). We followed Bob into town and he gave us some valuable info about our ride ahead and also recommenced a good place for us to eat lunch in Prescott.
After lunch, we headed up our second mountain climb (still in the Prescott National Forest) into Jerome Az. Jerome is a really small town literally hanging on the edge of the mountain side. It would have been a great place to stay but we had already made plans to stay in Cottonwood. We regretted this decision as Jerome looked like a fantastic place to spend a day.
We have decided to take a day of rest today and make sure our fluids and energy levels are recharged. My bike is holding out well (thank you John Drake and Bikeworks).
Our plan is to head toward Winslow Az tomorrow. It is a distance of over 100 miles, so we will see how we feel as we travel along.
Our physical condition is definitely improving and we are hoping that we are getting the hang of climbing. It is intimidating to come to a sign that reads 12 Miles of Steep Mountain Grades and Switchbacks Ahead. You know that you are looking at 2 hours of difficult work. I have started to train my mind not to think of the end point – just trying to make it around the next turn. I yearn for the flatlands of the Texas Panhandle.
Dan and Tom at 6000 ft.
Mountain View
Dan on a 35 mph Descent
tomballay 
Good News you are resting today, Thomas and Dan.
I am praying to Mr. August for him to beseech the Lord for wisdom for his youngest son;-)
Good News you are feeling better today.
Thanks for sharing the pictures with us.
We await your report on “Heading toward Winslow, AZ tomorrow.
Best, Tom Sylvest(the old one)
P. S. This is an exciting deal!
Mr. Sylvest,
Thank you for your comments and your prayers. August rides with me, that much I can promise you. Dan and I are doing the best we can and having support from all of you means a lot to us. Thank you. Thomas
Those look like the San Francisco Peaks in Flag. in the background of the 2nd photo. Really makes me miss AZ, but I understand your eagerness to get to some flatlands! I do not know how you are biking 2 HOURS uphill! Great job!