Showing posts with label AZ. Show all posts
Showing posts with label AZ. Show all posts
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Wordless Wednesday: In Memoriam
It's sad to see these roadside memorials. The one under the tree was for a motorcyclist east of Salome, AZ. The bicycle shrine was west of Silver City, NM. Apparently, Dan Potts was killed on his bike when he was 61 years old. We continue to pray and ask for prayers for safety for our 17 cyclists!
Friday, March 18, 2011
Photo Friday: Woody Was Here!
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| See the holes in this tall cactus? They are made by woodpeckers that nest in them! |
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Wordless Wednesday: Any Way You Slice It
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| The delicious grapefruit from Marlene Kropf in Wickenburg, AZ on March 10 continues to satisfy the cyclists at every SAG stop. |
According to Katherine: Day 12 Recap
Another beautiful morning in the desert. All the riders took off a little after 7:00 a.m. for a long day.
I crossed into New Mexico about noon, which then became 1:00 p.m., because New Mexico uses daylight saving time and Arizona doesn't.
The road was an imperceptible uphill, with slight head winds, most of the day.
I splurged, and had a waffle with no butter, and an ounce or two of syrup, in addition to two hard boiled eggs for breakfast. Lunch was the usual PB&J. Dinner was chicken curry for those who do, and tofu curry for the two of us who don't! With it we had rice, steamed broccoli and cantaloupe. I declined the macaroons at dessert, but had two fig newtons with my evening decaf.
Most of the group is flagging, lagging and sagging. Our rest day on Thursday will be such a relief!
Tonight's sunset was a vivid kaleidoscope of pinks, blues and silver in a 360-degree panorama -- breathtaking! 599.5 miles behind us; 2,500.5 miles to pedal. 46 days to go.
I crossed into New Mexico about noon, which then became 1:00 p.m., because New Mexico uses daylight saving time and Arizona doesn't.
The road was an imperceptible uphill, with slight head winds, most of the day.
I splurged, and had a waffle with no butter, and an ounce or two of syrup, in addition to two hard boiled eggs for breakfast. Lunch was the usual PB&J. Dinner was chicken curry for those who do, and tofu curry for the two of us who don't! With it we had rice, steamed broccoli and cantaloupe. I declined the macaroons at dessert, but had two fig newtons with my evening decaf.
Most of the group is flagging, lagging and sagging. Our rest day on Thursday will be such a relief!
Tonight's sunset was a vivid kaleidoscope of pinks, blues and silver in a 360-degree panorama -- breathtaking! 599.5 miles behind us; 2,500.5 miles to pedal. 46 days to go.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
According to Katherine: Day 11 Recap
We started our day at 7:20 a.m. It was a brisk 54 degrees, and we all dressed very warmly with leg & arm warmers, vests, jackets and full-fingered gloves for our fast 20-mile descent out of Globe. By the time we'd ridden 15 miles, we were ready to strip down.
Come mid-afternoon, the temperature had risen to 85 degrees, and we were hot. Mile 68 promised a big treat at Taylor Freeze: A root beer float.
But we had an unexpected "oops!" at mile 65. Marge and I both hit a big deep patch of gravel, and fell over. I need a WOC nurse for my forearm and elbow!
A truck going the opposite direction made a quick U-turn to help us. The uniformed angels got out of their truck, and offered a wad of napkins for the blood and a ride to Taylor Freeze. They worked for the State Prison Department!
We got our root beer float, put our bikes on the SAG Wagon and rode in the car the last 10 miles. I administered my own wound care when we got in, and don't feel too banged up tonight. My computer says I burned 3,200 calories today.
I ate scrambled eggs for breakfast, one-and-a-half peanut butter & jelly sandwiches, some nuts, some delicious wedges of Marlene Kropf's grapefruit, lots of energy drink, Hammer Gel, quarts of water, a BBQ sandwich made with tofu and slaw, plus macaroni and cheese for dinner. Lights out by 9:00. 524.4 miles behind us, with 2,575.6 to pedal. 47 days to go.
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| Our road today stretched as far as the eye could see. The expansive vistas sometimes bring tears to my eyes. |
But we had an unexpected "oops!" at mile 65. Marge and I both hit a big deep patch of gravel, and fell over. I need a WOC nurse for my forearm and elbow!
A truck going the opposite direction made a quick U-turn to help us. The uniformed angels got out of their truck, and offered a wad of napkins for the blood and a ride to Taylor Freeze. They worked for the State Prison Department!
We got our root beer float, put our bikes on the SAG Wagon and rode in the car the last 10 miles. I administered my own wound care when we got in, and don't feel too banged up tonight. My computer says I burned 3,200 calories today.
I ate scrambled eggs for breakfast, one-and-a-half peanut butter & jelly sandwiches, some nuts, some delicious wedges of Marlene Kropf's grapefruit, lots of energy drink, Hammer Gel, quarts of water, a BBQ sandwich made with tofu and slaw, plus macaroni and cheese for dinner. Lights out by 9:00. 524.4 miles behind us, with 2,575.6 to pedal. 47 days to go.
Monday, March 14, 2011
According to Katherine: Day 10 Recap
This Sunday morning sunrise at 6:30 in Apache Junction, AZ was glory to behold.
It was a lovely 55 degrees, and the route for the day was 49 miles of stunning scenery on US 60, climbing 4,000 feet with an endless stream of motorcycles, RVs and cars roaring by in both directions, often on a two-lane highway -- sometimes with a passing lane on the right.
I drove the SAG Wagon today. My body needed rest after covering 246 miles in the past four days. My hands had became so numb, the right one especially, that I couldn't hold my fork, or turn the key in the ignition! I looked like I needed to be dropped off at the Tranquil Acres Rest Home!
As the SAG today, I felt very helpful, and critical to the mission. One rider didn't attempt any of this day's challenges. Two riders decided the traffic was too much, and quit after 20 miles. Two climbed all the hills for 40 miles, and rode in the last eight to get out of traffic. All had to have their bikes put on the bike rack on the roof of the car and be transported.
Along the route, before my shuttling of people began, there was a one-third mile tunnel. I escorted each rider or each small group through with my caution lights flashing on the Subaru like the "wide load" vehicles. The cyclists said the noise of in the tunnel was teeth-jarring. Once I had shepherded a few through, I would turn around, return to the west side of the tunnel and wait for the next rider(s). We were all safely into the motel by 2:30. I tried hard not to munch on all the snacks in the SAG Wagon today, since I wasn't burning calories like I do when I'm cycling!
I enjoyed half a waffle, some fruit and coffee for breakfast. During day, I munched on grapefruit, dried fruits and nuts. And dinner, at the Mexican restaurant next to the motel, was chile relleno and a tostada.
We made a slight adjustment on my bicycle this afternoon, and I'll wear different gloves tomorrow -- and hope the hands return to normal. I can't wait to be back in the saddle again! 495.6 miles completed, 2,604.4 to pedal -- and 48 days to go.
It was a lovely 55 degrees, and the route for the day was 49 miles of stunning scenery on US 60, climbing 4,000 feet with an endless stream of motorcycles, RVs and cars roaring by in both directions, often on a two-lane highway -- sometimes with a passing lane on the right.
I drove the SAG Wagon today. My body needed rest after covering 246 miles in the past four days. My hands had became so numb, the right one especially, that I couldn't hold my fork, or turn the key in the ignition! I looked like I needed to be dropped off at the Tranquil Acres Rest Home!
As the SAG today, I felt very helpful, and critical to the mission. One rider didn't attempt any of this day's challenges. Two riders decided the traffic was too much, and quit after 20 miles. Two climbed all the hills for 40 miles, and rode in the last eight to get out of traffic. All had to have their bikes put on the bike rack on the roof of the car and be transported.
Along the route, before my shuttling of people began, there was a one-third mile tunnel. I escorted each rider or each small group through with my caution lights flashing on the Subaru like the "wide load" vehicles. The cyclists said the noise of in the tunnel was teeth-jarring. Once I had shepherded a few through, I would turn around, return to the west side of the tunnel and wait for the next rider(s). We were all safely into the motel by 2:30. I tried hard not to munch on all the snacks in the SAG Wagon today, since I wasn't burning calories like I do when I'm cycling!
I enjoyed half a waffle, some fruit and coffee for breakfast. During day, I munched on grapefruit, dried fruits and nuts. And dinner, at the Mexican restaurant next to the motel, was chile relleno and a tostada.
We made a slight adjustment on my bicycle this afternoon, and I'll wear different gloves tomorrow -- and hope the hands return to normal. I can't wait to be back in the saddle again! 495.6 miles completed, 2,604.4 to pedal -- and 48 days to go.
According to Katherine: Day 9 Recap
It was a glorious 59 degrees leaving Phoenix today -- perfect weather for biking!
We rode through gorgeous residential areas, with lovely aromas of fresh flowers and spring. Next, we rode on a bike path for five or six miles, and mingled with other cyclists, runners, baseball players, walkers and all sorts of people enjoying a balmy Saturday of leisure and exercise.
The day got hotter, and the riding conditions worsened as we came through busy communities, heavy traffic and six-plus miles on US 60, with narrow shoulders and rumble strips. It was a relief to put that 60 miles behind us!
Unfortunately, my food intake wasn't sufficient while I was riding. I enjoyed oatmeal & a banana for breakfast, and an energy bar with energy drinks along the way, but it wasn't enough. I visited a restaurant across from the motel as soon as we got in,and had a huge plate of spaghetti with marinara, and a salad. Three hours later, I was wolfing down tofu bourguignon and another salad!
A welcomed evening treat included a visit from long-time friends Noreen and Trevor Sutton, who live six miles down the road. Tomorrow is a major climbing day, gaining 4000 feet to Globe, AZ. Narrow roads, switchbacks and a tunnel. I will drive the SAG Wagon and support the younger, stronger riders. 446.4 miles ridden, 2,653.6 more to pedal. 49 days to go.
We rode through gorgeous residential areas, with lovely aromas of fresh flowers and spring. Next, we rode on a bike path for five or six miles, and mingled with other cyclists, runners, baseball players, walkers and all sorts of people enjoying a balmy Saturday of leisure and exercise.
The day got hotter, and the riding conditions worsened as we came through busy communities, heavy traffic and six-plus miles on US 60, with narrow shoulders and rumble strips. It was a relief to put that 60 miles behind us!
Unfortunately, my food intake wasn't sufficient while I was riding. I enjoyed oatmeal & a banana for breakfast, and an energy bar with energy drinks along the way, but it wasn't enough. I visited a restaurant across from the motel as soon as we got in,and had a huge plate of spaghetti with marinara, and a salad. Three hours later, I was wolfing down tofu bourguignon and another salad!
A welcomed evening treat included a visit from long-time friends Noreen and Trevor Sutton, who live six miles down the road. Tomorrow is a major climbing day, gaining 4000 feet to Globe, AZ. Narrow roads, switchbacks and a tunnel. I will drive the SAG Wagon and support the younger, stronger riders. 446.4 miles ridden, 2,653.6 more to pedal. 49 days to go.
According to Katherine: Day 8 Recap
We left Wickenburg, AZ at 7:00 a.m. It was 50 degrees -- very, very cold! -- and the sun was barely up. I did not have on full-fingered gloves, so my hands were numb for the first hour.
The highway shoulder was very rough, so we needed to be riding on the white line of the edge of the highway, or to the right of it. I eased onto the highway a few times, and a highway patrolman pulled up beside me, rolled down his window, and barked, "I don't want to see you on this side of the white line again, ya hear me?" I was mostly compliant the rest of the way.
It was a great relief when we got to a newly-resurfaced stretch of road. At one of the SAG stops, we enjoyed Marlene Kropf's gorgeous grapefruit cut in wedges. So succulent.
There was a "Welcome to Phoenix" sign at least 25 miles before we reached the densely-populated area. Thank goodness for bike lanes!
We had to go to a bike shop to have my gears and breaks worked on, and to get new cleats for Marge's shoes. We cycled several miles past the turn going uphill! Fortunately, it was downhill to get back to the road we needed! The men in the bike shop helped us locate a Verizon store to get the calendar working on my BlackBerry. The cool stores were a pleasant respite from the afternoon heat. From the Verizon store, we rode into our destination hotel. We got the laundry started, and ourselves cleaned up for dinner, which consisted of pork roast, quinoa salad and mashed sweet potatoes.
This was followed by a celebratory ice cream social, hosted by Convatec and Hollister for the Phoenix-area WOC nurses. Karen Lou Kennedy-Evans and Donna Brewer, the directors of the ET program at the Tucson Medical Center back in the 70s and 80s, drove two-and-a-half hours to be here. What a delight to see old friends, and meet new ones!
I happily fell into a deep sleep by 9:30. 50 days to go. 386.4 miles completed, and 2,713.6 ahead. This is such a joyful journey!
The highway shoulder was very rough, so we needed to be riding on the white line of the edge of the highway, or to the right of it. I eased onto the highway a few times, and a highway patrolman pulled up beside me, rolled down his window, and barked, "I don't want to see you on this side of the white line again, ya hear me?" I was mostly compliant the rest of the way.
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| The challenge is to ride on the white line, or in the narrow space between the white line and the wake-up strip! |
There was a "Welcome to Phoenix" sign at least 25 miles before we reached the densely-populated area. Thank goodness for bike lanes!
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| The cacti stood at attention, like sentries guarding their land. |
This was followed by a celebratory ice cream social, hosted by Convatec and Hollister for the Phoenix-area WOC nurses. Karen Lou Kennedy-Evans and Donna Brewer, the directors of the ET program at the Tucson Medical Center back in the 70s and 80s, drove two-and-a-half hours to be here. What a delight to see old friends, and meet new ones!
I happily fell into a deep sleep by 9:30. 50 days to go. 386.4 miles completed, and 2,713.6 ahead. This is such a joyful journey!
Friday, March 11, 2011
According to Katherine: Day 7 Recap
This day was made extra special by a WOC nurse.
It began at 4:45 a.m., when the low battery chirp of the smoke alarm woke us up at the Sheffler Motel in Salome, AZ. (The Sheffler Motel will be the subject of its very own coverage in due time.)
We started at 8:00 a.m., when it was an invigorating 51 degrees, and pedaled into the heat all day. It was 89 degrees when we arrived in Wickenburg -- but feels way hotter than that on the highway!
I had eggs for breakfast, and stopped for a milkshake at the Coyote Cafe in Aquila. I munched on high protein snacks, fresh fruit and potato chips every 10-20 miles, and drank gallons of water and energy drinks. Tonight's dinner by our WomenTours' chef was delectable: Lasagna, salad, garlic bread...and lemon squares baked today by Marlene Kropf, the WOC nurse who lives here and works at the Banner-Del E. Web Medical Center in nearby Sun City.
Marlene had painted a welcome sign, and put it on the highway on the western edge of town. All our riders were very impressed by my personal recognition.
Marlene called, and came to pick me up to go buy a new watch to replace mine (which died) and take some pictures with me. She picked grapefruits from the tree in her front yard, and brought them back for us to enjoy along theway. It was very gracious of Marlene and her mother to be so hospitable and helpful on our stopover here!
We are tired, but satisfied. After a good night's sleep, we should be ready for an early start for Phoenix tomorrow. 51 more days. 319.7 miles behind us, and 2,780.3 to go!
It began at 4:45 a.m., when the low battery chirp of the smoke alarm woke us up at the Sheffler Motel in Salome, AZ. (The Sheffler Motel will be the subject of its very own coverage in due time.)
We started at 8:00 a.m., when it was an invigorating 51 degrees, and pedaled into the heat all day. It was 89 degrees when we arrived in Wickenburg -- but feels way hotter than that on the highway!
I had eggs for breakfast, and stopped for a milkshake at the Coyote Cafe in Aquila. I munched on high protein snacks, fresh fruit and potato chips every 10-20 miles, and drank gallons of water and energy drinks. Tonight's dinner by our WomenTours' chef was delectable: Lasagna, salad, garlic bread...and lemon squares baked today by Marlene Kropf, the WOC nurse who lives here and works at the Banner-Del E. Web Medical Center in nearby Sun City.
Marlene had painted a welcome sign, and put it on the highway on the western edge of town. All our riders were very impressed by my personal recognition.
Marlene called, and came to pick me up to go buy a new watch to replace mine (which died) and take some pictures with me. She picked grapefruits from the tree in her front yard, and brought them back for us to enjoy along theway. It was very gracious of Marlene and her mother to be so hospitable and helpful on our stopover here!
We are tired, but satisfied. After a good night's sleep, we should be ready for an early start for Phoenix tomorrow. 51 more days. 319.7 miles behind us, and 2,780.3 to go!
Thursday, March 10, 2011
According to Katherine: Day 6 Recap
We left Blythe, CA at 8:00 this morning. It was 51 degrees and sunny, with 10 to 15 mph cross winds. (Thank goodness they weren't head winds!)
We crossed into AZ five miles after we left the motel, so it became an hour later! We rode about 30 of today's 63.6 miles on I-10, dodging lethal tire shards and lots of bungee cords. (Really makes you wonder where the cargo is that the bungees were strapping down!) The traffic and noise from the 18-wheelers was deafening.
It was a relief to turn onto US 60 East. The desert was pretty hot -- mid-80s in the afternoon. However, it took us five hours & 38 minutes to complete the ride, so we started getting some cooler evening temperatures during the last five miles.
We arrived at our funny dilapidated old motel after 5:00 p.m. My computer says I burned over 3,000 calories today, but I sure didn't consume that many!
For breakfast: Two hard-boiled eggs, and a half a bagel with cream cheese. For lunch, peanut butter and jelly. And a fabulous dinner by our chef, Linda. For me it included wedges of tofu in a peanut sauce, brown rice, cole slaw and fresh pineapple. Dessert was from Sweet Darlene's in Quartzsite, a town along the way -- a divine coconut cream pie. I consumed lots of nuts, energy bars, electrolyte drinks, Hammer Gel, Endurolytes and Recoverite at the end.
I felt very strong most of the day, but I am really tired and fairly sunburned tonight. I thought I had been slathering the sunscreen on often enough, but apparently not. I couldn't get over the RV Resorts dotting the hot, barren landscape -- all full of people from colder climates! 263 miles completed and 2,837 miles to go.
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| I was tempted to stop in to get the sand washed out of my hair! |
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| Yep, us and the big rigs will be high-balling east on I-10. |
We arrived at our funny dilapidated old motel after 5:00 p.m. My computer says I burned over 3,000 calories today, but I sure didn't consume that many!
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| Our guides, Carol and Linda, explain the motel in Salome, AZ: "If you find a critter in your room, just flick it or kick it!" The motel is 60+ years old, with just a shower renovation in our room over those six decades! |
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| Met these snowbirds from Canada in Brenda, AZ. They think they're having all the fun in their snazzy little yellow ATV. We know we're having more fun than they are! |
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