July 18
21 miles
1000 feet elevation gain
We both slept great last night, and woke up feeling positive this morning. It was smooth sailing for about ten miles, when the wind picked up. At first it wasn’t terribly bothersome, at least not for me (Paul always hates wind), but as the miles ticked on, we seemed to be going slower and slower. Even going downhill was tiring and required pedaling. And when the ground was flat, it was all we could do to get to a measly 5 mph.
After 20 miles, we arrived in Healy with exhausted legs. The wind was cold for us desert folks, and a wind advisory is in effect for tonight. We ate breakfast and pondered our options, and when we found an affordable room for the night, we decided to go for it. Neither of us had the energy to tackle another 20 miles in the wind today, nor did we relish the thought of a cold and windy night in the tent.
We went over to the brewery to kill time until check in, where our waiter was an Arizona native, spending his first summer season working up here. We all agreed we’re glad we are not in the dust storms that have been hitting Phoenix lately.
Once we got checked in, Paul washed the bikes and lubed the chains while I took the chance to watch the full stage of the Tour de France today. Lucky timing, as the weekend stages are always built for excitement. We both laughed at the speeds those guys can pull at 12-13% grades. They are a little faster than we are. It’s still going to be windy for the next several days, so we’re dreading that, but enjoying the bit of rest for now.