South Tucson - Benson, AZ
Daily Route
Daily Elevation
Last night was really cold. We woke up to frost on the tent and didn’t want to get up, however, my bladder had other plans, so I got dressed quickly and left the tent around 7:15 AM. Today we only have 45 miles. The plan is to get on the road before 9:30 AM and get into camp early so we can relax. We were already to go right at 9:30 AM, so all seems good.
The first 10 miles is on a bicycle trail. Unlike yesterday’s trail fiasco, today it was much easier to follow Google maps voice commands since there were far less intersections with other trails. The trail was beautiful with art scattered along it and wonderful mountain views.
The first 10 miles is on a bicycle trail. Unlike yesterday’s trail fiasco, today it was much easier to follow Google maps voice commands since there were far less intersections with other trails. The trail was beautiful with art scattered along it and wonderful mountain views.
 |  More trail art |
Then, at about mile 7.5, the headwind began and didn’t let up for at least the next 17 miles. Oh, and by the way, the entire day has a steady, uphill climb. There goes our easy, recovery day.
We stopped for our much needed first stop at a Safeway gas station at mile 19.
We stopped for our much needed first stop at a Safeway gas station at mile 19.
Taking a break
This left us with 2.5 miles until we entered Interstate 10 for the last 24 miles of the day. Blah. Oh...people have been asking if we are actually allowed on the interstate with bicycles. According to this sign posted on I-10, yes we are.
 Not to happy to be going onto the interstate |  Yes, we are allowed on the Interstate |
When we entered I-10 it was pretty windy, but within the next 5 miles the wind, although still a headwind, subsided enough to make it not too bad. Most of the time on I-10 was rolling hills which made the ride somewhat fun.
During one of the longer climbs of the day on I-10, we came across two other cyclists. Since we were all climbing, not much was said. However, when we stopped on the side of I-10 for a rest at mile 33, they caught up and stopped to talk. They were Billy and Stacy Benedict and are riding from Phoenix to Atlanta. We talked to them for a bit then they took off. It was cool seeing other crazy long-distance cyclists out here with us.
Billy and Stacy
The last 5 miles of the day was a nice gradual downhill that was very much enjoyed. We arrived at the Motel / RV park at 2:44 PM. Not too bad considering the wind and the climbing. The RV people headed to their spot and Mel, Bill, Tim, and I checked into our shared room. After nice hot showers we hung out in front of the room and drank a couple of beers before heading to the RV for snacks and dinner prep.
Tim, Bill, Gerri, Mel, and Jackie hanging out
Today Jackie made meatloaf and potatoes while Mel heated up some leftover stew for us non-meat eaters. After dinner, Patrick surprised Mel and Bill with an anniversary 4-pack of Boddington’s and surprised Bill with some birthday cupcakes. Yesterday was the actually day to celebrate, but with the long day yesterday, the party was postponed till today.
Happy Birthday Bill!
After dinner, the motel’ers returned to the room and watched the end of the Academy Awards. It is now 10:30 PM and the others are sound asleep as I write this blog. I guess I should call it quits as well. Tomorrow is a pretty long day of 72 miles, so it was decided to try to be on the road by 9 AM. That shouldn’t be too bad since we are waking up in a warm room and don’t have to pack away tents.
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