Day 4
Day 4 AM
We start the day with a bit of a climb and then we finally get some favorable elevations. Group looking forward to that. Phoenix/Tempe is the destination and it seems it will include some bike paths to avoid traffic. All for that but that is usually the trickiest with the bike computers.
Joey Norick sent a link to the best pizza in the world in Phoenix. We shall see if we have the energy to find it tonight.
Even though we are biking in a group biking is a very individual personal experience. Gives you plenty of time to be introspective. Makes me think about (among other things) how lucky I am to have such a great opportunity. No chance to fail.
Not sure everyone knows but my biking partner Mike is afflicted with MS and that is the motivation for naming that charity as the beneficiary of this ride. He is the poster boy for fighting off this horrific disease and motivates us all to keep riding for MS.
Well we made it to Tempe as hoped by Friday night. Map number one is finished. Map 2 takes us from Tempe to El Paso, Texas. 512 miles which we have reserved 5 days to finish. The New Mexico mountains will stand in our way. More on that in next couple of days. When we get to El Paso Reuben will leave us and head back to work as his vacation is over. At the airport we pick up Antonio Coppola who will take his place all the way to Houston. Antonio promises to be a huge fund raiser for MS. Of course he is missing a lot of the climbing!
Day 4 PM recap
We stopped at Pleasant Lake and took a swim. About 60 miles into the ride it was a perfect lunch spot and refresher.
The wild burros fascinate me. Have to figure out how to turn that into a profit center.
As you near Phoenix the bike paths take you through many tunnels that are in fact occupied by homeless people. Not quite what I expected. Lots to think about on this one.
Over 100 miles again today for Mike and Tom and 50 for Jane and Reuben. I will have to say that while the first 4 days have been difficult and challenging, it doesn’t come close to being as hard as 4 summer horse show days. My hat’s off to my very hard working horse show staff at HITS.
Mike had a bike repair issue and when we finished tonight we rushed to the closest bike store for some help. They were fantastic and wouldn’t take any money as they appreciated the cause. On a Friday night! Many props to Landis Cyclery with 4 stores in the area. Top guys.