Today was the tale of two rides: the first half had me gasping for air, the second half was like being on a giant slide as we rode downhill for almost 20 miles. We reached the halfway point of the ride at the continental divide with an elevation of 6030 feet. It is the highest point we will reach on this ride. To put the elevation in perspective, Homosassa, FL is an elevation of 0 (zero) feet.
We rode into Bisbee, AZ, a very unique little town with a motto of “It’s like Mayberry on Acid.” This town is worth a visit if anyone ever passes this way. Just as we left town, we passed by an old copper mine.
Today’s ending town of Douglas had me melancholy as we pedaled in; I couldn’t help but think of my Douglas. He would have loved doing this tour.
I snapped so many photos that I would like to share but will try and pick out my favorites.
Start city: Tombstone, AZ
End city: Douglas, AZ
Miles: 50.26
Total miles to date: 630.2
Pedaling time: 3 hours, 42 minutes
Avg. speed: 13.6
Feet climbed: 2,201
Fatigue factor: 8 out of 10 first 25 miles; 3 out of 10 last 25 miles (10 is the worst)
Wind: start: SE 5 mph; end SSW 10 mph
Road condition: 4 out of 5 (1 is the worst)
Temperature extremes: 49 at ride start, 76 at ride finish
SAG stop before we started the five mile climb to the highest point on the tour.
Now here was an interesting cluster box. I wasn't sure where the houses were that belonged to these.
Janet snapped this picture as I was reaching the top of the climb today.
The obelisk stated we were at the continental divide and I'm sticking to it. It was erected in 1913/14 by prison labor.
Today's crew at the highest point on the tour.
Janet, Bubba and I at the historic Gadsden Hotel.
A few photos from inside the Gadsden Hotel.
Bubba took this group photo. We are on the stairs inside historic Gadsden Hotel.