Today was supposed to be easy; a 53 mile day with less than 2,400
feet of climbing. I do not know if it was the perfect weather, the
helpful tailwind, the inspiring scenery, or the fact that yesterday
was a rest day and many of the aches and pains have eased a bit. But
when we got to Ash Fork at about 1:30, we decided to grab a quick
bite and push on to Williams, AZ. It was not the seventeen miles
more that made this decision tough, but the additional 2,200 feet
(Torrey Pines is 425 feet for a point of reference) of climbing.

So off we pedaled, inspired by the occasional glimpses of the
mystical snow covered San Francisco peak. By day's end we had
covered 70 miles and climbed close to 4,600 feet. The advantage of
this type of tour though, is you only have to climb each mountain
once. So the extra effort we made today will make tomorrow that much
easier.

Have you ever been kicked out of a bar or restaurant. Well tonight
Martin was asked to leave the KOA campground after to pointing out
to the manager that he was price gouging. Fortunately for him Bonnie
was able to pacify the manager. Never underestimate a tired, cranky
and hungry Knickerbiker.

I would also like to thank Bonnie's wonderful cousins for buying
our drinks at the Palace Saloon (and restaurant) in Prescott last
night. Great food, great atmosphere and great company!

Tomorrow we say good-bye to Marge and Joan. I could not imagine
being here at this time with out their amazing assistance. I am sure
this will come as no surprise to her that Marge went way beyond what
was called for. I suspect Seth will miss her most of all. Walter
Schmidt will be taking over the SAG van at Flagstaff.

Tomorrow we continue east to Flagstaff. Because of our extra efforts
today, it will be a short 32 mile day, with a 1,500 feet climb. The
shorter day will allow some of us to get some necessary bicycle
repairs done. It will also allow us to perhaps dodge the rain as
well as they are calling for scattered thunder showers for tomorrow.
On Friday they are predicting isolated thunders showers. What is the
difference between scattered or isolated thunder showers? I suppose
not much if you are being rained on.

Eric

Oh, I almost forget about the record keepers. To date we have cycled
491 miles, and climbed 27,625 feet.