Day 10 - 78.4 miles - Globe, AZ

Denise and Rick were nice enough to wake up early to see me off this morning. By 5:30am I was all pack up. Denise and Rick came outside to their driveway and we snapped a few photos together. I was holding back tears as I am not the best with goodbyes. I barely could get out thank you before I felt my gut going weak. As I pedaled away, I turned around one last time to wave goodbye. I won't forget my time with Rick and Denise and just how much fun we had together. Rick set me up with a route that would put me back on track. It was easy to follow as all the streets here in Chandler are in a grid. It was close to 25 miles before I was back on my route maps. I was well aware of today's mountains that stood before me. I know because Rick and I drove this part of my route on our way back from the Tonto National Forest the other day. My heart sank and my legs felt the pain while we were driving as I knew those were my next days ride. Today started out flat but quickly became gradual. I cycle over Gonzales Pass at 2,651' which was not bad. I felt good but I knew the worst is to come, and it sure did. I stopped by the Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park for a quick look around but I still have business to attend to. I cruised into the town of Superior, then the cruising came to an halt. I had an 11 mile climb up Signal Mountain at 4,600' and I had to deal with Queen Creek Tunnel which was a couple hundred yards long, uphill, dark, and had no shoulder. No close calls but my eyes were fixed to my rearview mirror. I did have luck on my side today with a nice tailwind for a good part of the day. Still, no tailwind is going to push you up and mountain like this one but it doesn't hurt. Beautiful scenery filled the valleys below and cooler temperatures prevailed with the higher elevation. From the top of Signal Mountain you can see several mines. This is a big copper and gold mining area. I made it to my planned destination of Globe, AZ and just in time. My legs are screaming no more and so am I.

Photos : Rick and Me at 5:30am in his driveway - Navajo Rose Farm near Florence Junction - myself and the mountain scenery - Riding into the town of Superior - The scenery from climbing Signal Mountain - The town of Miami - A copper and gold mine