Today we rode 84 miles in 7+ hours, and climbed about 6000 feet. This is a strong group; everyone rode well today.
As we ate breakfast at 6:30 am, the early sun lit up Mt. Graham (see photo of Mitch, Terry, Rhodri, Julie (from behind) and Andre). We rode past level cotton fields by Solomon (see photo of Bob Pedersen holding cotton.)
Our first ascent was a long, gradual climb of about 2000 feet to the tiny town of Three Way. Green and dark red prickly pear cactus dotted the hillside (see photo). We passed a dead javalina (wild pig) bigger than a German shepherd. Outside the town's convenience store, Bob Pedersen admired a 1956 Ford Fairlane while we topped off our water bottles. When we asked if we could use a bathroom, the clerk pointed to a sun-baked Porta-Potty across the road.
After Three Way we climbed for 14 miles. The scenery was spectacular, with sun-lit rugged red cliffs close on both sides as we as ascended through Black Jack Canyon. The view back down of the switchbacks and long straight approach road was dramatic (see photo). (Hopefully others will post pics.) The grade was 3-6%. You need patience on the long ascent: let the road come to you, and don't look up the hill often. Just past the summit, Mitch parked the van and set out fruit, beverages and snacks. The only thing missing was a masseuse! (See photo of Carol, Julie and Mitch.)
East of the pass, the scenery changed dramatically as we crossed into New Mexico. Ponderosa pine, juniper and (dry) grasses replaced cactus, with rolling terrain. It now feels like the real West, with fancy ranch signs and watering holes for horses (see photos).
When the first group rolled into our campsite at the Buckhorn RV Park, Julie volunteered to make a beverage run since the van was still at the summit. We enjoyed the locally-brewed "State Pen Porter". We are camped snugly (see photo of our tent city with Bob Plant), and enjoyed another fine dinner by Carol and Terry.
A benefit of cycling is the sounds you hear, that aren't noticed driving in a car. This morning as we did the first ascent, the metal guard rails made a soft crinkling noise as they began expanding from the sun's heat. On a prior day, overhead phone wires played music as the wind blew. And of course we enjoy meadowlarks and Western birds whose songs I don't know.
There is no phone service in Buckhorn (and not much else either), so I'll post this tomorrow in Silver City.
Bruce
Man look like so much fun
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