May 13, 2023

Day 7 - Cottonwood, AZ to Flagstaff, AZ - 48 miles - 5,157 feet of climbing - 3:48 hours in the saddle

A spectacular day of cycling!  It was a day of continuous climbing into Sedona.  When the red rocks of Sedona first came into view, I thought it was the perfect picture.  But the scenery just kept getting more incredible.

Being a short mileage day, the group enjoyed a coffee break.  The identifying mark for the coffee shop was a prickly pink pig (say that fast 3 times)!

Leaving Sedona we followed Oak Creek up the canyon.  When there was no traffic on the road, you could hear the soothing sounds of the gurgling brook.

Rode into Slide Rock State Park where folks go to hike and swim in the creek.  I didn’t want to swim and then ride in wet bibs.  But I did get this photo op.

Riding cross country on my bike seems a whole lot easier then what the early pioneers endured.

The last couple of miles of climbing out of the canyon consisted of switchbacks and steadily steeper grades.  It was challenging to ride, but rewarding when you looked back from above. Felt a sense of accomplishment.

After topping out at the end of the canyon, it was a short 10 mile ride to the hotel in Flagstaff.  I got in about 1:00 and had plenty of time to wash the bike and lube the chain before my room was ready.

Tomorrow is a well deserved rest day.  No plans except for a massage!

Savor the Journey // Achieve the Goal