Day Seven: Tempe Az to Globe Az 80 miles

Departing at 6:30 AM, Ruth and I found our street, Apache Trail, empty. We quickly covered the 26 miles from Tempe to Apache Junction. While passing through Mesa, this Gothic couple wished us 'Good Morning'.

After Apache Junction, the map directed us to get on the busy four lane state route 60. We frantically checked our phone maps to find another route - no other routes were available.

We carefully entered the highway and rode to the right of the rumble strip. Gradually the traffic became less. Some people stopped at an art fair, others at a renaissance festival and others turned off to hike in the desert. We enjoyed reconnecting with the desert flowers again.

We slowly climbed to Superior where we ate lunch. Just beyond Superior was Queen Creek tunnel which we had been dreading for months. We imagined a dark, narrow tunnel but fortunately it was well lit with two traffic lanes going east. With the car lights flashing, Bill and Don followed us through the tunnel.

We only had 24 miles to go but now had the wind in our faces as we continued to climb. The view of the dramatic rock formations kept us pedaling.

Finally we had a long descent but with a strong head wind. We climbed into Globe and looked for our Bed and Breakfast for the night which was perched on yet another hill. I (Mary Jo) was not thinking kind thoughts about Ruth who had made the reservations, as I slowly cycled up to the hilltop B&B. However, it was magnificent with a 360 degree view of the desert and totally worth the climb.

Thank you for all your words of encouragement. With today's ride, we have cycled over 500 miles and have completed 1/6th of the ride.

When faced with a mountain, I will not quit! I will keep striving until I climb over, find a pass through, tunnel underneath or simply stay and turn the mountain into a gold mine with God's help - Quote by Robert Half