March 13

From Phoenix to Gold Canyon, AZ

59.1 miles

Stopped at SAG to have a "sinful" treat.  A buttery croissant. When you are hungry and tired and its available all my principles fly out the window.

I tried to stay up with Mike, Rita and Alayne, but they always leave me in their dust.
Took forever to get out of the urban traffic from Phoenix through Scottsdale, through Mesa, through Apache Junction.  Most on a bike lane, but with very little kindness from Arizona drivers.  They don't use their signals or move over for bicyclist...just come very uncomfortably close.  East Mesa became a bit more bareable with miles of walled in retirement communities.  Snow birds living in comfort behind brick walls keeping out whatever they don't want to know about or deal with.  Ride ended with 6 miles on a freeway with a shoulder half filled with rumble strip.  Ever riden a bicycle over a rumble strip???? an experience that shouldn't be missed.  Ha.

Arrived to a package from David including a birthday card from Bev.  Such a nice surprise.  I have my visor now and both glove liners...so I'm a bit happier.
Did I mention, that I had my bike adjusted yesterday.  Wonderful mechanic and fitter at Exhale Bike Shop.  They refitted my bike, adjusted seat and handles and didn't charge me.  It was sorely needed.  Anyone ever in Phoenix...should be sure to patronize them...very generous people, definitely worth your time.

Trailer and cooking unit isn't working right so we have to eat in a restaurant tonight.  Not looking forward to that,  hopefully things will get fixed soon so we can go back to Linda's good cooking.

Routine:
Get up about 6
Dress in bicycle clothes.
Eat breakfast (I use my own oatmeal, when we have hotel breakfasts, since they generally have some pretty unedible stuff (my opionion, only).
Pack up and drag suit cases to truck for loading.
Make peanut butter and jelly sandwich and load a baggy with snacks for the road.
Fill water in room and add Gatorade powder from snack table.

Ride

Arrive at destination
Check in
Shower and put on regular clothes(I have 4 shirts and 2 pants that can be short or long)
Eat dinner (best of all when creatd by Linda.
Map meeting ( review of route for next day) We carry a cue sheet with directions each day.
To bed  (usually by 8 at the latest)

Little else is important each day