We rode 99 miles today.  Riding 100 miles is considered a big deal.  No one rides 99 miles and stops a mile short of 100. That gives you an idea how tired we were when we finished today.  One extra mile was not an option.

We left our Hotel at 6:oo am and watched the sun rise as we were on Route 260.  We expected a tough climb today getting out of the valley and into the mountains, but it was tougher than we anticipated.  It took us 4 1/2 hours to travel just 34 miles. It was a total grind.  The scenery, however, was just unbelievable and the weather was outstanding. 

Dan Ascending from Camp Verde Valley

We climbed to elevation 7450 ft today and spent our lunch eating at the Lone Valley Cafe in Happy Jack. We met a number of really nice people at the Cafe.  Most were interested in what we were doing and some gave us some information about our route ahead and what to expect in Winslow – “wear plenty of sunscreen because there are no trees.”

Tom Standing in Front of the Happy Jack post Office

Leaving Happy Jack, we rolled up and down, but staying at a fairly high altitude. For the last 35 miles, we rapidly descended into Winslow, dropping about 3000 feet. With a strong wind at our back and descending slopes, we traveled the last 40 miles in about and hour and forty five minutes. This was quite a difference from the morning climb.

Winslow is sort of barren looking town.  The people seem friendly enough, but the scenery is nowhere near what we experienced the last few days.  We have a comfortable room at the Quality Inn and we are both in our post ride routine – clean up, wash riding gear, eat, update blogs, try to stay awake until 9:00 pm.

We are both very tired today and doing our best not to burn ourselves out.  Tomorrow is a new day and brings a strong tailwind that should blow us toward Gallup, New Mexico.  The Lord willing, we hope to be into New Mexico by tomorrow night.