We departed the town of Bisbee where we saw the inactive copper mine that the town was founded upon, leaving us the great historical resort town of today.
Again we spent almost the entire 85 mile day, except the last 7 miles, on Historic Hwy 80. This section of road had nice pavement, little traffic, and was void of most any buildings or human development. Super SAG team, Carol and Julie, made this route possible by meeting us on the side of the road for lunch sacks and drinks at the 55 mile mark. This stop included some world class croissants they picked up for us in Bisbee. Along the way we had such a great tailwind that we agreed we would limit our speed to 23 mph to enjoy a near effortless ride for a 19 mile downwind stretch. Then mysteriously the wind direction made a dramatic turn to a cross wind the last 12 miles as we headed to the town of Portal, AZ. As all cyclists know, wind direction is always a headwind, and will even maliciously change direction to remain a perpetual headwind for most all cycling routes, including loops.
There was one very significant historic marker honoring Geronimo, where he surrendered. Similar to the spirit of honoring him with the monument is the poignant poster picturing indigenous warriors you may have seen on “The Original Homeland Security – Fighting Terrorism since 1492”. On September 4, 1886, the Apache leader Geronimo and his band of followers surrendered to General Nelson Miles in Skeleton Canyon, Arizona. After years on the run and guerrilla warfare with both United States and Mexican soldiers, the formidable medicine man and war leader submitted to U.S. custody for the final time.
Near the end we crossed into New Mexico, but then left NM on a 7 mile side road back to Arizona and our lodge in Portal, AZ.
Some of the views that you guys are seeing are absolutely spectacular. I’ve been reading all your posts every day and taking a look at your cycle statistics. I see that today was your first century ride for this trip. Congratulations! I had to chuckle a little bit when I read your last post talking about how with cyclists there is always a headwind. I tell my wife that when I come back from my rides.
Don, I appreciate you following us and your thoughtful comments. We are having a great time so far!
Steve! These pictures and write ups are fabulous. I marvel at the miles you all are stacking up every day. Keep having fun, and stay safe out there!
Thanks Brian, you would be right with us doing the mileage, I am sure.
Steve, these are beautiful pictures of the terrain, open rode and good camaraderie. Glad you all are enjoying the ride! In the chilly WI homeland I’m still on my trainer with no headwinds to contend with…so at least there’s that. Stay safe have fun!
Kevin, thanks for checking in and your comments. We are getting warmer each day near the Mexican border. Soon we will wish for Wisconsin late spring temperatures on our route, but I expect it will just be warm to start each day, and hot when we finish.
Doug and I both have the Lynskey GR300 we talked about, and we both agree it is great on this tour. It is comfortable like a touring bike, but versatile for road and gravel. We both have 35 mm tires, which were a great choice.
Keep up the great work. Love the pictures and the write up’s about your adventures!!