Jul 5
Stage 6: Glorious Monument Valley, Then Desert Fatigue
Happy Independence Day! We began July 4th at 4:45am, in an effort to get out to Monument Valley during the morning sun. After a quick breakfast at our hotel in Kayenta, we headed up north towards the Utah border. We biked with a sense of anticipation as we soon saw Monument Valley in the distance. Monument Valley was one of those places that I’ve always dreamed of visiting, so it especially thrilling to cycle through it. The only bummer was that we had a strong headwind as we biked into Monument Valley, which I was surprised since we arrived so early in the morning.
Preparing to start the morning’s ride
Jordan, Jared, and Rich start out in the AM
Justy getting creative in taking pictures
The most spectacular view of Monument Valley is the north-to-south route. We were heading the other way, but at least we could look around and see how incredible it looked. We then biked by the same spot where Forrest Gump said, “Well, I think I’ll go home now.”
Rich and Jared race to the top of the hill
After Monument Valley, we continued to head north and had a serious a great descents (6%, 8%, and then 10%) as we headed towards Mexican Hat.
After that, something happened…because we’d been pushing it all week and little sleep the before, exhaustion set in for all of us. We were all drained and struggled. Even Kim was having a hard time staying awake driving the support vehicle. By today, we were also growing weary of the desert and desert-like geography. We were ready for the greens of Colorado.
We did get a chance to spend a few moments at Four Corners, but are convinced its not worth the $3 a piece that they charge.
We eventually made it into Durango—just in time for dinner and had a great time in a cool city that we’ve never been to before.
Sorry, no video today. We had one ready to go and had a computer glitch and lost the video files. (Justy was not too happy!)
Clowning around during a break
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The beauty of your surroundings almost makes me wish I was there with you. Then, however, my knees start aching and common sense returns — it is easier to go with you “on my knees” (praying) than to actually make the ride. God’s immanence and omnipresence must be tremendous in His handiwork! God bless!