Today was a 96 mile ride from Flagstaff to Holbrook, Arizona. It was nearly all downhill with a few drops of rain. The day was marred only by multiple flat tires. I had four, starting with one before we even began (a “hotel flat”) and ending with the last about 5 miles from the end,…

Today was the first rest day of the tour. The past few days saw a lot of climbing, and the 6900′ elevation of Flagstaff takes some time to acclimate to. So today we get recharged. The electronics get charged every day, but less so the riders. The day started with breakfast while washing clothes, bike…

Today was all climbing through beautiful Sedona, Arizona. From Cottonwood we had a steady climb into Sedona, where we stopped for snacks and views. From Sedona we went north through the Oak Creek Canyon, up a steep and narrow road with lots of switchbacks and lots of cars. The road climbed 1574 feet over 8.4…

Today’s ride was a 2040′ climb in 11 miles over Mingus Mountain. Mingus Mountain was named after someone named Mingus, but it isn’t clear exactly whom (apparently there was no shortage of local Minguses (or is it Mingusi?)). It was a tough climb followed by a screaming downhill. Halfway down we made the traditional stop…

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.…

Riding across the desert puts things in perspective. On US Highway 60 in Arizona it’s one-point perspective. Today was the longest ride of the whole trip, 115 miles from Blythe, CA to Wickenburg, AZ. It was hard, but we had another good tailwind and a high temperature in the 80s, which is cool for the…

97 miles through the desert today, from Indio to Blythe, California. Not a lot of climbing, and even fewer turns. Riding on the Interstate was really not bad. The road is good with consistent 12′ shoulders. Riding 10 feet away from a semi going 70 feels a lot safer than riding 3 feet from a…

Today was a nearly perfect day. We set off as a group, climbed over the San Gorgonio Pass, and then rode a powerful tailwind downhill through Palm Springs to Indio. Once we got to Palm Springs I had my first flat tire. I’m glad Chad was able to spot the tiny piece of glass that…

Today was introductions, orientation, tire changing practice, and a celebration of the May birthdays. On the tour we have 20 guests, 13 men and 7 women. 5 are from the UK (4 English and 1 Scot) and one is Italian. Most have ridden a lot, some not so much. Everyone is eager. Tomorrow we start…