Day 10: Prescott, AZ

Day 10

May 26, 2015

Miles: 44

Congress to Prescott

We had such a great stay at the Sierra Vista Motel that it was hard to leave. A great meal and we got to meet such wonderful people.  What a difference a day can make.  We rested well and we made sure to eat and drink lots in preparation for our ride the next day.  

We woke at 6:30a fairly easily. We made PB&J sandwiches and packed our bikes. We left the motel at about 8:00a.  We went to Nichols for breakfast and then on the road by 8:45a. We ate big this morning given the ride that was ahead of us.  A short 44 miles, however, with three long and steep climbs totaling 4800ft. We hit evevation 6100 today.  

The final descend into Prescott 3.5 miles was a great reward to the day's hard work. Too bad it took us just minutes to descend what took us 3 hours to ascend. We hit a low of 2.9 miles per hour at one point during the day, and a high of 37.5 miles per hours.  

There is only one theme that can accurately summarize today – what goes up, must come down, spinning wheel - got to go round...

A great big breakfast … to start off the day ...

This is a far away shot of the climb in front of us.

Base of Yarnell Hill

Profile of the first climb ... we were on the lower ring.

Yarnell Hill Climb

Steep Climb

Steve going wrong way

Various shots of the climb ...

Steve Big Presence

Rest 1

Rest 2

Rest 3

Rest 4

We must have stopped over 30 times in all to rest.  Everyone does it.  Really!

Steve Close Up

We thought this was cool ... big boulder behind house.

After we made it up the first major climb - Yarnell Hill, we decided to treat ourselves to something sweet. I got an energy bar that tasted just like carrot cake; my favorite and Steve the peach and cheese danish.  Steve just raved about this peach and cheese danish - lower picture.  He loved it so much!  I tasted it and must say, it was terrific!  Made with fresh peaches that were picked in the Congress orchard over the weekend.

Town of Wihlot ... where we had lunch ... we really needed food at this point in the ride. Fatigue has set in. Despite having our PB&J sandwiches packed, we bought a lunch - Tuna sandwich, a 28 oz bottle of Gatorade, potatoes chips.  Dessert - Snicker Bar and Kit Kat. We wanted to save the PB&J for later just in case.

Me kicking back at 1/2 way point
and after we reached Wihlot

Steve showing off his arm sun protectors

You can really start seeing the difference in surroundings.  We have definitely left behind the desert and hot, steamy weather.

Valley of Trees

Steep climb ...

Time for another rest

Steep Climb

Getting close to the top

We rolled into Prescott at 5:45p and headed straight for the bike shop.  We got there 15 minutes late, but the owner was still there.  I told him the problem I was having with my bike and he said bring it in.  He stayed another 30 minutes to work on my bike.  It rides really smooth now!  Thank you to Iron Clad Bike Shop!  While there, we asked for a recommendation to stay the night and he said the Motor Lodge up the road.  So this is where we are staying tonight.  A newly rennovated, retro design, motor lodge.  We rented the last room, and was given a complimentary glass of wine. This place is really cool!

Drinking White Wine

Tomorrow we are headed to Ash Fork.  About 56 miles. A measly 1000 ft climb for the day.  I never thought I would consider a 1000 foot climb to be nothing.  This is like climbing South Road 5 times :).