Day 9: Tonto Basin to Globe (50 miles) March 20 🌷🌺🌸

More hills today, though not like yesterday. 3-9% grade incline but only for 6 miles. Sometimes there is a shoulder, other times not but rumble strips are constant. The ride ended in a short hail storm with a downpour to follow. 4 more ladies joined our group. One is 80 years old (let that sink in). She has cycled the southern tier 3 times before among other cycling tours.

Only 4 of us rode all the miles today. The others took a “bump” with the SAG over the hills. (A bump is when the SAG takes a cyclist 20 miles ahead) Same thing yesterday. And some cyclists aren’t comfortable riding downhill so they bump uphills and downhills. 🤷‍♀️

Another acronym commonly used here is EFI, meaning every friggin inch. So far, only 2 of us are in that category. Yours truly (hold your applause) and another lady I’ve been riding with. There are some tougher rides ahead in New Mexico but I’m taking it one mile at a time.

Some thoughts from today:

#1: Don’t get hurt ☝️We’ve had a few falls in the group. One went to urgent care. Nothing serious but road rash can be a nuisance. And a damaged bike isn’t good, either.

#2: There is no shame in stopping along the way! Listen to your body and know your limits. It’s not a race.

#3: Stay in a peloton if you can. Even if it’s small. The desert roads are desolate with no cell service. Cyclists are more visible if you wear bright colors and ride in a group. Plus it’s good to have help if you have mechanical problems. The sun is hot, there is no shade and often times no shoulder on the road. Even with SAG support, it still takes time for them to get to you.

OK, that’s all for now. Enjoy a few pics from my ride today.