May 12, 2023

Day 6 - Prescott to Cottonwood - 44 miles - 2,805 feet of climbing - 3:12 hours in the saddle

Of course it was another great day on the bike.  It was only 44 miles, so you now know that means today was a climbing day.  But before we get to that…we rolled out of Prescott this morning in 2 groups.  The first rolled out at 7:00 and I rolled out with the 2nd group at 7:30.  It is an attempt by the CrossRoads to keep the front rider and the back rider with 10 miles of each other.

While on a really trashy shoulder ride for 6 miles, Mark B’s Garmin (bike computer) came flying off his handle bars and I stopped to pick it up.  After a few more miles and a nature break, we finally got the day’s objective in sight, Mingus Mountain.

                                            Fortunately that opening in the middle was not the road!

It was about an 8 mile climb with about 2,000 feet of climbing.  It took me about an hour to climb.  Many scenic switchbacks

Topped out at elevation of 7,023 feet at the only SAG of the day.

Then a rapid descent to Jerome for shakes at the Haunted Hamburger. Jerome is an old mining town perched on the side of the mountain.

Then a long fast 7 mile descent into Cottonwood.Seems like I was riding my brake the whole time and still hit 35 mph.  Reportedly one rider hit 50 mph.  No thanks.

Coasted into town about 1:00.  Since the hotel rooms would not have be ready yet. I headed to old downtown in search of a brewery.  Found one, but the taproom hadn’t open yet.  Still found a beer!  Made it back to the hotel at 3:00 and I was the last one to check in.

Hung out around the pool for an hour, worked on this blog and then we all headed to dinner at the Black Bear Diner.

Tomorrow we ride 48 miles to Flagstaff…..and you know what that means….more hills.  I think most of the day is uphill!  But we get a rest day on Sunday in Flagstaff.

We have completed 500 miles….only 2,900 more to go!

Savor their Journey // Achieve the Goal