Day 7 - 44.9 miles - Chandler, AZ

I was very excited for today. Today I am meeting up with my high school friend Rick, and his wife Denise. They have been living in Chandler, AZ for the past 4 years. I haven't seen Rick since, but we do keep in touch. When I was researching this route I noticed just how close I would be to their house. So the plan is to visit with them a day or two. Before I am able to enjoy visiting my friends, I still have 40 plus miles to ride. A new problem arose this morning. No, the temperature was  a crisp 60 degrees at 4:45am. The problem was an extremely strong headwind. Today's route took me through the outskirts of Phoenix with 7 miles being on the Arizona Canal Bike Path. I was fortunate to meet "John" who was out for his early morning ride. John lives in this area and asked if he could show me the best way through it. I was more than happy to have a guide through the city. After thanking John for his help, I had to cross the Tempe Town Lake. Arizona State University being on the other side. This is where I must take a side trip to visit my friends in Chandler. Rick had given me street by street directions over the phone a few days ago, so I had a pretty good idea where I was going. 12 miles later I was pulling into his driveway and he came out to greet me. They have a beautiful home in a quiet neighborhood. I got the grand tour of the house. Then we sat out back next to their pool and caught up about the past 4 years. Denise was at work, and Rick had to attend a class so I am here exploring a new neighborhood and possibly taking a nap. I need to catch up on my rest, after all of these mid-morning wake ups. I can't wait until they get home. We still have a lot of catching up to do.

Photos: The Arizona Canal Bike Path - John, the biker who helped me through Phoenix - Phoenix Mountain at 2,608' - Tempe Town Lake - Rick and Denise's home in Chandler, AZ - Beautiful gardens and ponds within Rick and Denise's neighborhood