Countiss 2023 USA Tour

Day 8: Fabulous views

spcountiss
Sedona

Today was all climbing through beautiful Sedona, Arizona. From Cottonwood we had a steady climb into Sedona, where we stopped for snacks and views.

Chad
English Mark, a Tottenham fan

From Sedona we went north through the Oak Creek Canyon, up a steep and narrow road with lots of switchbacks and lots of cars.

Oak Creek
Twisty road, coming up from the left
Lotsa cars

The road climbed 1574 feet over 8.4 miles, with some very steep curves at the end. All of the riders live close to sea level (our house is at 950′) so we’re all feeling the effect of climbing at 7000′.

The top rewarded us with fabulous views of the road and a sense of accomplishment.

Enzo and I at the top

When we hit Flagstaff Chad and I had a full meal at Olive Garden (lots of carbs!), a nap, and then a great dinner at a new place in town, Atria.

Peter, Barbara, Linda, Spencer, and Chad. Duck and Tomahawk steak.

Sunday is our first day off. We’ll be sleeping, washing our bikes and our clothes, and recuperating. Monday is a 96 mile downhill run to Holbrook.

We’ve ridden 549 miles so far. Yahoo!

11 responses to “Day 8: Fabulous views”

  1. Karen Albin Avatar
    Karen Albin

    You’ve all earned a day off. ‘Hope you two are getting a good R&R in addition to washing your bikes & clothing. Your pictures of the various views, people, and food make for an interesting collection. Here’s to the next leg of your journey east!

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    1. spcountiss Avatar
      spcountiss

      The rest day was welcome and well used

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  2. David Van Couvering Avatar
    David Van Couvering

    Beautiful countryside, glad you’re getting a day off. Thanks again for the vicarious treat!

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  3. Nina Avatar
    Nina

    Do you burn those 9000 calories every day? If so you are going to return in fighting shape and running circles around the rest of us.

    Here is an inspirational quote for Chad, Spencer and your biking comrades.
    “Riding a bike is everything to a cyclist. The friendship and camaraderie you have with other cyclists… to a cyclist, it was the be-all and end-all of your life.” — Tommy Godwin, English long-distance cyclist

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    1. spcountiss Avatar
      spcountiss

      I don’t know the exact calorie figures, but it has to be at least 6000 a day on average. Some days may be all coasting, we hope.

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  4. redbuttes Avatar
    redbuttes

    Do you burn those 9000 calories every day? If so you are going to return in fighting shape and running circles around the rest of us.

    Here is an inspirational quote for Chad, Spencer and your biking comrades. Undoubtedly you have heard it before.

    “Riding a bike is everything to a cyclist. The friendship and camaraderie you have with other cyclists… to a cyclist, it was the be-all and end-all of your life.” — Tommy Godwin, English long-distance cyclist

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  5. redbuttes Avatar
    redbuttes

    Do you burn those 9000 calories every day? If so you are going to return in fighting shape and running circles around the rest of us.

    Here is an inspirational quote for Chad, Spencer and your biking comrades.
    “Riding a bike is everything to a cyclist. The friendship and camaraderie you have with other cyclists… to a cyclist, it was the be-all and end-all of your life.” — Tommy Godwin, English long-distance cyclist

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  6. Christi Siedlecki Avatar
    Christi Siedlecki

    Lotsa cars doesn’t sound great. I hope they were all courteous.

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    1. spcountiss Avatar
      spcountiss

      They were not bad. Most people are on that road for the scenery, I think, so they were mostly courteous.

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  7. Kevin OBrien Avatar
    Kevin OBrien

    Fantastic, Spencer. Thanks for sharing the adventure, especially the pics. If we were here Monica and i would make the short trek to Chsmpagne to grert you on the way in person…but we will be in the midst of our trip to Europe. will still be following your trek dsily

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    1. spcountiss Avatar
      spcountiss

      Cycling in Europe will be fun, some day

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