Where to start? The 6:30 AM takeoff, the Tonto national forest where there are cactus instead of trees? Maybe the ropey cactus that could be CHOLLAS. Or the incredible views of the superstition mountains that we rode through. They stunned me with how beautiful they were.
I even enjoyed the 12 mile climb, even though I stopped every half mile to breathe. The grade was about 4% so it was doable, and the switch backs and wide shoulder negated the fast traffic. I had to just stop and take it all in at the top. The pictures just do not do it justice.
And then we went down — 6 and 7% grades made for sore hands. I picked something up in my tire that didn’t seem like a big deal at the time. Stay tuned.
We stopped in Jake’s corner at the general store for something to hold me for the last 10 miles. The sky was dark and threatening and we heard thunder closing in. The girls in the store said if we were going we should go, so Carl, Kelly, Adam and I booked to camp with a storm on our heels. About a mile from the driveway my tire, which must’ve had a slow leak, gave out. I called Tammi to let her know I was getting going to try to put air in it but might need a rescue. Luckily it held. I pulled into the driveway as she was heading out.
We stayed in the Punkin Center at the Punpkin Center, Lodge, right next to the Punkin Center Bar where we went for a little local color. The people were very friendly and we enjoyed talking with them and drinking their beer. Early night early wake up.
I love the whole "Punkin" theme. Glad you were safe and sound. Debbie
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