Talk about a tough day in the saddle! Day 9, covering the route from Benson to Bisbee, was a brutal but ultimately rewarding 50-mile stretch. We had a delayed start, not because of a mechanical issue or a tired set of legs, but because of a full-blown weather event: Tropical Storm Raymond.
In the middle of the Arizona desert, we were hit with heavy rain and massive winds—and wouldn't you know it, the wind was a direct headwind from the south. This made every single pedal stroke a battle, especially since we were facing 3,650 feet of climbing! It was a true test of grit and determination.
Climbing to the High Point
Despite the brutal headwinds, we pushed on, with the goal of hitting our highest elevation of the entire journey. We achieved it near Bisbee, summiting at 6,030 feet around Mule Pass. That view from the top, even through the wind-shear, felt earned in a way few others have.
The halfway point of the ride offered a brief respite and a legendary backdrop: Tombstone. The sun had finally broken through the clouds, but the relentless wind persisted. Still, it was a fantastic break to grab a late lunch and soak in the sights of the Wild West—the legendary home of Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday—before heading back out for the final push.
Tomorrow, we have 82 miles as we push into New Mexico but end up back in Portal AZ for the overnight before leaving rainy/sunny/windy AZ behind!
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