Miles: 86 Miles
Ride Time: 5 hours 15 minutes
Avg. Speed: 16.5
Total Climbing: 3660 feet
Work: 3267 kJ
Weather is always a big part of riding and today the wind showed us that we have been lucky so far. Leaving from Kingman in the morning we did not have any wind but at mile 15 the road made a slight bend over a rise to the right and the wind was at our face. We were going down hill and working hard to go 15 mph. Fortunately after another 5 miles we turned left and started climbing and the wind became a cross wind.
As we continued to climb the wind seemed to get stronger. The terrain was not as scenic as yesterday as we entered the Arizona mesa. A lot of short bushes and plants doted the landscape. In one section it was populated with yellow daisies along both sides of the road but they did not grow in the fields. My guess is that due to the lack of rainfall here they can only grow next to the side of the road because they are dependant on the water run off from the road.
We continued to see the landmarks of historic Route 66 along the way. We saw old gas stations, salons, farms with large Route 66 signs and the famous brontosaurus.
Towards the end of the ride I came across a German who was spending 6 weeks riding a bike among the National parks in the area by him self. His bike was loaded down and was having a hard time with the wind. I wished him good luck as the Colorado gang up. With this wind I wanted to hop on their train otherwise I would be dead tired riding on my own. A pace line can help a lot with the wind.
We got into Seligman shortly after 1pm. With us getting so early I was even able to take a little nap, my first of the trip.
We are staying at the Original Route 66 motel. It is a very traditional roadside motel. I took a walk around the town before dinner to see some of the other old buildings.
We ate dinner at the Road Kill Café which was one of the best meals we have had. Our waitress was great. When asked about the side vegetables she said they were no good. How’s that for honestly. She must be a meat and potatoes gal.
Visit all the photos from today at flickr.
No comments:
Post a Comment