March 11, 2018
After a rainy night in Wickham, it was time to pack up wet and head for the greater Phoenix area, namely, Mesa where we were to spend the next two days. Along the way I caught up to Marianna, one of our group, on her recumbent bicycle. Marianna is a real trooper and gets stronger every day using her unusual bike to make some serious climbs.
Once the sun came out to dry away the clouds the day seemed less dreary and it was around this point that I came to Happy Road which seemed to fit my mood so I snapped a selfie to celebrate. A little further along the early morning sun along with some lingering clouds gave the distant hills some nice shadows that I thought to be photo worthy.
The ride into Phoenix was mostly downhill, although the route through this metropolis was at times difficult to follow. Travelling on nicely paved roads winding through suburban neighbourhoods was calm and relaxing as was the area’s many bike paths; although, they could stand to install a few directional signs on the maze of intertwined paths. Along the way I passed Ottawa University: It seemed out of place somehow.
Our stay for the next two days was at a nice motel with kitchenettes but a somewhat out of the way location. It was great if you needed something for your car or motorcycle but few services for machines made of meat. My roommate Jim and I decided to take in a spring training game on Monday and it was interesting to watch some established players and some hopeful new talent play the grand old game.
Monday was a restful day to clean up our bikes and wander about. After a nice dinner at a Sizzler, it was time to pack up and get ready for an early start tomorrow. It is going to be an tough 82 mile ride with nearly 9000 feet of climb. We can do this.
