I am DEAD. Today was perhaps the toughest day of cycling I’ve ever done. And only 89 km!
Got up at about 6:15 and on the road an hour and a half later. I’ll never understand why breaking camp takes so long.
Shortly after leaving I crossed the dam that creates Horseshoe Lake. The walkway is under the rushing water which is pretty fun.
The next big event of the day was seeing 2 javelinas (wild desert boars). I’ll throw in a pic of another creature I saw too.
And basically right out of the gates the rough riding started. The *road* would make Colombian dirt or Vermont class 4 roads blush. Never the same for more than a few km at a time, these forestry roads were sand, loose rocks, baby heads (this is a term for rocks about the size of a baby head), washboard surfaces, and generally pretty steep. But oh my the views.
Add to the challenging terrain that there was nothing between where I started and ended. I saw one person in an ATV, one helicopter and zero services of any kind. It was just me and my thoughts, and I’m not so sure I’m good company. Against all odds I kept my sanity, such that I have some to begin with.
And then there was the 6000 ft of climbing. Including a multi kilometer stretch of double digit grade.
It was sloooooow going. I was in transit for over 12 hours today. I’m shocked that my cycling computer says I averaged just over 10 kph, I’d have guessed much slower. Somehow I must have snuck in about 3.5 hours of breaks, though I never stopped for more than 15 minutes.
One more bunch of fun was crossing the Verde River at sheep’s bridge. Had to slide through about 20 ft of death mud before carrying my bike up a bunch of boulders. A stickier substance doesn’t exist. I’ll be cleaning it off my bike for years to come.
It’s now way past my bedtime. Night night.
Wow, looks incredible and sounds very technical. The desert certainly is a magical place. Be safe, have fun and keep going!
First let me say I hope you’re still asleep as I’m writing this and that you feel you can sleep in. Sounds as if you could end your ride today and you will have accomplished your goals for this trip. Let me remind you, you’re less than 2 hours from us. A pick up would be easy. Think of the pool you have access to, the food you could be eating. Los Dos, Señor Taco, Mexi Q, Jalapeño Bucks……and then there is “Frozen”. I’m sure I can still get a ticket for you. Your photos are stunning. I love the desert, think it’s so beautiful and your photos show that beauty. You’re quite the Chaddo. Wishing you safe, easy biking today…….but I don’t think you have any on this ride. Love ya, Mom
Not ready for a pickup just yet! What exactly is a chaddo?
Not sure when we started calling you that or which one of us came up with that name!
Vertical gain looks rugged. Great photos. Be safe and enjoy the ride.
What an amazing day. I cannot wait to show Malcolm the pic of the tarantula- it will fill his thoughts for days. Your descriptions and pics remind me how much I love the Sonoran desert.
You can tell him I saw 2!
Hey Chad!
WOW, so this was your hardest riding day challenge ever! 😱 it’s really saying something coming from you 😬. Pretty scary stuff riding in such isolation from everything. I think I’m equal parts amazed, happy, and terrified for you. You’ve more than earned all your once in a life time sightings and ever lasting memories. I hope the weather, wind (?), and safe trails are with you for all your next riding days. Take good care!