DAILY BLOG

All of the heat that we’ve experienced over the past four days must have done something to ours heads. The crazy thing is that we are actually starting to look forward to the mountain climbs and dread flat stretches. I guess that is positive evidence that riding a bike four straight days in 100+ temperatures does something to the mind of a rider!

The Wagner Bikers

Today, we biked from Prescott to Flagstaff. The terrain consisted of a short flat stretch->mountain pass->longer flat stretch->mountain pass. While Jared and Rich have been the climbers for the mountains and Jordan and Justy preferring to opt for the support vehicle during the climbs, Jordan felt up to the challenge on the first mountain of the day and did an awesome job for someone who normally does not like hills!

Jordan conquering the mountain

Support vehicle waits for riders on ascent

The first pass was highway 89a into Jerome, which was an awe-inspiring 7-mile uphill with several switchbacks and a terrific 13-mile descent into the hill-side, almost European-looking city of Jerome. I had never heard of Jerome before, but it looked like a great town to spend some time in. Unfortunately, we had to zoom through it and head towards Clarksville and Sedona.

Look closely and you’ll see Rich and Jared

Hwy 89a between Prescott and Jerome

Hwy 89a between Prescott and Jerome

By the time we left Jerome, the temperature climbed over 104 degrees yet again. We knew the Flagstaff temperature was supposed to be a moderate 83 degrees, so it was a bit discouraging having to face 100+ degree temps YET AGAIN as we went from Jerome to Sedona.

Storm clouds loomed over Sedona

After Sedona, we continued up 89a over a long mountain ascent into Flagstaff. Jared was amazing yet again on the climb, leading the pace for much of the mountain. I was feeling really good too, so we got into a groove, making a strong push for the top.

Jared feeling strong

Ascending 89a towards Flagstaff

Pushing hard

We were very excited to finish up the day’s ride today, because tomorrow is a rest day. I speak at a men’s breakfast at Grace Community in Flagstaff at 6:30am, but other than that, we all get a day of much needed recovery and relaxation. I know my legs are looking forward to the time off the bike!

Video update—if all goes well, we will have a video camera tomorrow, so we’ll be able to add video blog updates within the next day or so.

A few factoids of the trip to share:

* In her own words, Kim has not been bored at all driving the support van. She actually keeps busy helping out the riders and making sure that things are safe on the road. She’s doing an awesome job!

* We’ve had no flats at all so far! Unbelievable considering the poor quality of the several Arizona roads, roadside cacti, and broken glass.

* We’ve also had no mechanical issues so far. Thanks Fezzari and Spinergy!

* There have been a Starbucks in each of the four cities we’ve stayed in. I wonder if any of these will be one of the ones that will be closing?

* The wind has been against us approximately 95% of the time so far.

Photos by Justy®:

Also, check out Justy’s other pix from Stage 3 in the previous blog entry. (Added tonight as well.)