On the Road Again
By admin | April 6, 2011
Monday, April 4, 2011
Pheonix to Apache Junction
42 miles
If you look closely, you can see needles in my shoulders and forehead.
Last night, Jessica filled me full of needles to get me ready to ride again. Chi was moving everywhere! I could still feel it moving around this morning, particularly in my neck and shoulders. I still don’t always know what acupuncture is doing, but it’s doing something! She also fed me a great breakfast. I am so grateful for how well my friends have taken care of me as I travel!
Today was slow, as there was a lot of navigating and stop and go getting out of the city. I rode through Pheonix, Tempe and Mesa. I passed the historic governor’s mansion early in the day, and Fitch Field, winter home of the Cubs, later. Mesa has got the best bike lanes I think I have ever seen. The lanes are nearly wide enough for a car, and there are special crosswalk buttons placed where cyclists can get to them without having to dismount or go up on the sidewalk.
Quick Trip is my new favorite convenient store. The have at least 15 different slurpee flavors. I had frozen Horchata. It was just the thing for a hot afternoon in the desert. Though not that hydrating.
A cyclist named Elvis rode with me for about a mile today. He’s planning a trip from Canada to Baja in the summer. He makes sure to always stop at Dairy Queens when he travels by bike, even ones that are closed because they’ve burned.
I chatted with three older cyclists out for a day ride in Mesa, as well, and with a number of other friendly, curious people at gas stations and stoplights today.
I’m camped at a KOA tonight, which is like luxury camping accommodations. I did a little yoga when I got here, cooked dinner, and sat in the jacuzzi for a while. I have a noisy neighbor who’s having a problem with his girlfriend, unfortunately.
There are some big climbs coming up the next few days. It will be interesting to see how they compare to the first two days out of San Diego. I have so much to be grateful for on this trip, but I wouldn’t mind that tailwind finally showing up!
Leave Your Comment