115 miles, +3687/-1908 feet

Longest day of tour!

Leaving California, the climb into Arizona begins as you continue your grand cross country bike tour adventure. Diverse landscape with rugged rocky views turn into spots of irrigated land.  Dust devils appear in the distance and one moved directly through our third Feed Zone set up in the shade of an abandoned gas station.  The force of the wind and the sting of the dirt was fierce.  The brave, who continue to pedal all the way to Wickenburg, end the day with a big smile and a great sense of satisfaction.  The desert has been conquered.

Tonight riders enjoy a late dinner together and sleep again before a shorter day tomorrow with an epic climb.  It’s time to climb.  Everyone is tired, but also excited for the change of pace as tour continues.

Side note:  Every day we meet the most amazing and nice people.  Today, with the day being so very long, we stopped four times to ensure proper hydration and nutrition.  Each time we were greeted by friendly shop keepers offering restrooms and wanting to share stories. Drivers who passed our riders along the road then stopped when they saw us in our van to report on the progress of the riders.  Today we felt as though our “tour community” extended all along the route and we thank each person who played a role in Big Dream Bike Tours ride from Blythe, CA to Wickenburg, AZ.  More tomorrow.

Arizona – First State Sign

The canal water looked SO refreshing!

Saguaro Cactus

Taking a break at the canal

Stretch Break!