Grand Canyon, et al.

so, you know, it's just been same old same old.... ride my bike a bit, let my mind wander, stumble onto the Grand Canyon.... you know, the usual.

Arizona is beautiful. B-e-a-utiful. but a bit warm. Though all the mesas, distant ridgelines, and dry creek beds get a little monotonous, this really is a beautful state.

We're off the Navajo reservation and through Grand Canyon National Park, resting our weary legs now in Williams. I'm actually sitting here at this fabulous little coffee shop staring at a National Geographic Map pf the U.S. right in front of me and I gotta say, it's pretty unbelievable to see hat we've done and how little we stil have to go. Everyone is gettng a bit restless now and antsy to get to San Diego. Riding in to Williams this morning we passed under I-40, complete with a sign indication that Los Angeles was just a right turn away. We saw a sign for L.A. ahhh!!! we're sooooo close!!!! It won't be long now and as it is for myself and others, it seems it won't be too soon.

Riding your bike can be fun and the places where we're riding is amazing and all that, but the days are just exhausting, even when we're not riding. After 8 weeks of this now, everyone seems to be getting ready to have some time off their bikes--and I would wholeheartedly agree.

So more on the Grand Canyon now, as I am sure you are all interested in every moment of my mobile existence.... I didn't ride yesterday into park because of my wrist, yet again. The roads of the Navajo nation were less than accomodating and all the jolts, bumps, and vibrations have about done me in, both for my wrist and my shoulders!

We passed the Little Colorado Gorge en route and the team climbed about 2500 feet of elevatoin over 25 miles to reach the South Rim. And boy does that rim really sneak up on you!!! We had some issues entering the park and in the end, the group had to bike an unexpected extra 25 miles to reach our campsite in Grand Canyon Village, but what a ride: rolling hills (the best kind) between overlooks of the Grand Canyon. I'd never been before so it was a really cool thing to see.

Once we arrived and set up we all virtually assaulted the village General Store, bought lots of fun treats and snacks and Anita, Meredith, Lee Anne, Mary Olive, Liz, Ray (I'll explain about him in a minute if you haven't already read about him elsewhere) and myself sat on a cliff on the lip of the Canyon and watched the sunset. It was absolutely fantastic and just what I needed after a bit of a frustrating day in the van.

So my ride today was good: about 60 miles over more rolling and then climbing terrain into Williams. What was good about was that I felt great. My body was ready to ride (my wriat, per usual did some protesting, but my legs and shoulders felt great which is becoming more and more rare...) I rode strong, I rode fast (fast mostly because I got lost at the outset--or rather, thought I was lost and then moved fast to try to pick up the time) and I made here in one piece!! I am now showered and content with smoothie in hand.

Life is good.

miss you all and can't wait to see everyone once I get back. SD is only one week away!!!!

CVH