| Distance | 167.00 kms | 103.77 miles |
|---|---|---|
| Climbed | 2,957 meters | 9,701 feet |
| Ride time (hours) | 7.35 | - |
| Avg speed | 22.7 kph | - |
| Distance | 167.00 kms | 103.77 miles |
|---|---|---|
| Climbed | 2,957 meters | 9,701 feet |
| Ride time (hours) | 7.35 | - |
Tuesday, August 13th, 2019
It's going to be a warm ride out of Tucson... no surprises there. I fill up the camelback with water plus some electrolyte packets then hit the road, making my way up the foothills to avoid the morning traffic before dropping down to Oracle Road. I'll be on Oracle Road - which becomes US 77 - for the next two days, all the way to Show Low.
The bike feels good in spite of the added weight; the frame bag keeps everything centered. I can even ride hands-free in a pinch when I need to fumble with the camelback to get a drink of water. By the time I reach Winkelman I'm out of liquids. Roughly half way through my day and I've already drank about 4 liters of water. There are no services from here to Globe so I buy a gallon plus a big fountain drink, mainly so I can get ice to add to the camelback (I also get an ice cream sandwich - my best purchase of the day).
From Winkelman the road gently climbs up the Gila River Canyon until Dripping Springs where it vears off up the mountains. I knew there was a big climb here - I've come down in the other direction a few times - but I had forgotten just how big it is. I'm pouring sweat in the heat as I struggle up the stiff grades. I wanted to do the whole thing in one shot but I have to stop in the middle to take a rest.
I finally reach the bullet-riddled plaque that marks the top of El Capitan Pass around 5pm. I book a room in Globe, safe with the knowledge that it's downhill from here so I'll have no trouble making it. I'm out of gas after that climb.
In Globe I drop my gear in the motel room, hand-wash and hang my clothes, then head straight for Denny's where I eat myself silly. I'm in bed - exhausted and lights out - by 9pm. 100+ miles and almost 3,000 meters of climbing makes for a big day.
