Tonight we are tucked into an RV park that may leave us wishing we were back at the Super8.. It’s in a small parking lot cut into the side of a hill, where
at any moment a compressor might turn on, a train might go by, or a truck might apply its Jack brakes in the street that is very close to us. Could make for a great nights sleep before tomorrow’s 80-ish
Overall today’s ride was gorgeous. We hadn’t gone too far from the Start before the route took us a long Roosevelt lake. This lake is probably 10 miles long, in a valley. At one end is spectacular looking camping. At the other, a dam and a very interesting suspension bridge.
We also rode past the Tonto national Monument (we were in the Tonto national forest) and the entrance to some cliff dwellings. Unfortunately, they were closed until November but you could see them from the road. The upper one has 40 rooms. I am fascinated by this and will be looking to learn more.
We had a 6 mile hill ahead of us with a 5% rate grade. I learned a new hillclimbing technique from Carl. He goes down to his granny gear, Fiennes and cadence that’s comfortable, and just keeps that cadence all the way up. I tried it. And it worked really well. I was able to breathe all the way up and while I stopped several times for the view, I never felt tired. I stopped several times along the way up just to turn around and look behind me. The views can’t be described. It’s as though you’ve been offered a view of the entire world.
Things I learned today:
- You can hear the electricity crackling in the high tension lines when you ride under them.
- I only have to worry about today.
Doug and I visited the cliff dwellings at Mesa Verde years ago. Seeing cliff dwellings is truly awe-inspiring. I loved "things I learned today." I don't need the first thing, but good to know. The second one I am definitely going to focus on. Thanks Buddha Lydia. Debbie
ReplyDeleteAmazing photos! Thanks for the daily updates. Peg
ReplyDelete