Hot in Phoenix

We had a 53 mile through the city of Phoenix to get to our destination in Apache Junction. As we were staying at a “not so super” Super 8 off the highway, there was no rush to reach our hotel early. (There is a Waffle House and a highway for excitement.) There is also a big LPGA tournament and a Renaissance Fair in the area so there weren't many blocks of hotel rooms available.

Seven of us decided had decided the night before to detour and bike to the Desert Botanical Garden and added about 7 more miles onto our trip for the day. One of our group members recommended this visit as a must do becausetof a special exhibit of the glass blowing artist of Chihuly. There were about 15 blown glass sculptures artistically interspersed among the desert botanical landscape. The colors, textures, and forms of the sculptures were absolutely amazing. It would be great to see at night when they were all lit up as well.

Our day was also complicated by a road closing. We found an alternate route and made it out of the detour, back onto our cue sheets directions and headed to the motel by around four after stopping for a late lunch. Dinner tonight was earlier at 5:30 so the clean up crew didn't have to work in the dark. For dinner we had poached salmon, herb noodles, tossed salad, quinoa, nuts and cranberry salad, and cheesecake. Several tour members didn't eat enough during the day and had a harder time finishing the ride in the afternoon when it got warmer. No more flat land tomorrow. Back to climbing so we'll see if there is any improvement in our strength.

Hugs,

Robin