The morning climb to the summit of Mt. Mingus (Elevation 7,023) gave us the biggest reward yet for our hard work - a 4,000 ft. descent lasting 12 miles in route to our destination of Cottonwood, AZ. I won't soon get all the bugs out of my teeth for this was another day of miles and smiles.
We also met a German cyclist who was following the Race Across America route (Oceanside, CA to Annapolis, MD) by himself and fully self supported. A hardy soul indeed!
The drop into Cottonwood was wild. Last year, I started to let it fly when I dropped into the first hairpin. Bad idea. The asphalt was rippled like a washboard. When it gets hot, the tar softens and braking cars push it like a carpet. I wound up braking the entire way down, alternating front and rear. What a waste of a downhill.
ReplyDeleteWith my down-hill "skills," can you imagine me white-knuckling it down 4000ft! You are doing great. After an intense first week I'll bet you are looking forward to your day of rest.
ReplyDeleteAmazing to see the shot of you by that 7023 sign - seems like yesterday that I/we of xc09 were posing at the same spot. And, wow, do I remember that descent - thrilling and more than a bit scary. Enjoy the ride to Flag - that is a good day too. Bob
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