Day 6: Climbing

Two days ago we were in Blythe, 272 feet above sea level. We’ve climbed a lot since. Today was 60 miles from Wickenburg to Prescott, Arizona with 5656 feet of climbing. It was hard, but we were fortunate with clear skies and moderate temperatures. And it should be the hardest climbing day of the trip. With the elevation change we got some different topology and flora. The desert felt at times like I was in a Roadrunner cartoon where the same cactus keeps going by in the background again and again. Now we’re seeing more variety and enjoying the aroma of pine forests. Several flats today, 3 (!) for Chad and one for me.

We have several Brits on the tour. On the left is Peter, whose son is currently touring the US with his band, Malevolence.

Other random sights:

’64 T-Bird
Showing the colors

Tomorrow is a shorter trip, with a climb up Mingus Mountain on the way to Cottonwood, Arizona.

9 responses to “Day 6: Climbing”

  1. David Van Couvering Avatar
    David Van Couvering

    Yow. That’s a big climb. I continue to be impressed… Great photos, thanks!!

    Like

    1. It was, indeed, a pair of big climbs

      Like

  2. Deborah Lindsay Avatar
    Deborah Lindsay

    Fantastic!!

    Like

  3. Wow! What a climb; hopefully that 5k feet is well spread out over that 60 miles.

    Really enjoying reading the posts, you guys are clearly having a blast. You guys competing for the most flats? 😂

    Like

    1. The 5000′ of climbing is not spread out very well. There is a long part where you feel like you aren’t climbing but you’re actually going up 4-6%. It’s tiring because you fell like you’re not actually climbing but you’re doing the work.

      Like

  4. Patricia Cass Avatar

    Oh my, Spencer, I am so proud of both of you! Keep peddling! PJ

    Like

    1. On the climbs all you can do is downshift and keep plodding up the hill.

      Like

  5. Travis Van Couvering Avatar
    Travis Van Couvering

    Hope you get some great descents to make up for all that climbing. Going as fast as possible on descents is my favorite part of cycling.

    Like

    1. Today’s descent hit 42 mph before I hit the brakes. Wet pavement and gusty crosswinds do not make a comfortable descent

      Like

Leave a reply to spcountiss Cancel reply