Today, we punched the clock on 72 miles of riding, taking us from Gila Bend to Casa Grande, Arizona. This leg of Project 2950 was a perfect example of how quickly conditions can change on a cross-country trek—we had a beautiful start and a bit of a challenging finish.
A Brilliant Desert Morning
The morning was spectacular. The air was cool and crisp, a welcome change after the heat we felt yesterday. We enjoyed a gentle, steady climb into the stunning Sonoran Desert National Monument. This area immediately changed the scenery for us, offering our first immersive experience with the quintessential Arizona landscape: dense Saguaro Cactus forests stretching out across the hills. The perfect temperatures made the riding effortless and truly enjoyable.
The Mid-Day Slog
Unfortunately, the post-lunch ride was a different story.
We stopped for a much-needed refueling break at the Ak-Chin Indian Reservation, and let me tell you, that warm food was an absolute lifesaver. Warm food always beats the alternative when you're riding, and it really hit the spot before the final push.
As we headed east toward Casa Grande, both the pavement and the weather turned against us. A light, but persistent, rain began to fall—just enough to be pesky and make the roads slick. Adding to the challenge was a series of significant headwinds that turned the final stretch into a bit of a slog.
Despite the wet pavement, everyone made it into Casa Grande safely, which is always the most important piece of good news at the end of the day.
Onward to the Rest Day
We're all looking forward to the next leg. Tomorrow, it’s a 75-mile ride to Tucson, which will be a huge milestone as it leads us directly into our first rest day! A day off the bike to regroup, refuel, and recharge is well-earned.
Stay tuned for the Tucson update!
What an undertaking! Amazing!
ReplyDeleteThe Sonora Desert is beautiful!
ReplyDelete