Yesterday afternoon as we drove north to the Gila Cliff Dwellings, we crossed the continental divide for the first time. This has always been a big moment for me on previous TransAm bicycle rides. This continental divide crossing was at about 6600’ – much lower than the 8200+’ Emory Pass we had cycled over earlier in the day. Of course, the crossing was in the car so we didn’t stop for a photo opp.
Today at 7am and a temp of 45 degrees, Jody drove us back south to the junction of hwys 35 & 152 from where we cycled yesterday. We cycled on west through Hanover seeing the massive 100+ year old Santa Rita open pit copper mine and later the bustling town of Silver City. Hilly and beautiful mountain road on a Sunday morning. After a fabulous cappuccino and yummy quiche in Silver City, we decided to cycle on and see how the 20+mph S/SW head wind with gusts above 40mph would feel. We all called it a ride after a few miles down Hwy 90 in the tiny hamlet of Tyrone (yes, again Hwy 90 and again gusty dangerous wind!) Short day at 27.8 miles 2228’ All other conditions were exceptional – road surface, Sunday morning, cool temps, bikes and bodies functioning well. But sadly no need to push on in these winds. Tomorrow is another opportunity to cycle. Thanks Jody for the pick up! We drove to our destination of Lordsburg with even bigger winds and increasingly dust-filled skies, and are hoping if the winds are less tomorrow as forecast, we will drive back to Tyrone and cycle what we missed and then some! Stay tuned!
in the area
“the kneeling nun” above the Santa Rita mine
TransAm Cycle 3.0 