OUR THOUGHTS
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Highlights:
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Today we left the lower desert area at about 2000 ft
elevation and climbed to Williams, AZ which is 6200 ft elevation,
and is in the Kaibab National Forest. In terms of overall
difficulty, today was the most difficult day on the tour,
taking into account the distance and elevation gain
(130 miles and 8300 ft total climb). Departing Wickenburg
we were treated to a spectacular sunrise. The first major
climb was up Yarnell grade from a tiny town called Congress
to Yarnell at the top. The vistas were spectacular, and the
road was excellent with a wide shoulder. From Yarnell, we
continued on Highway 89 thru the rolling countryside, which
was for the most part ranchland. There were several short hills
with one sustained climb. We saw many wildflowers on this
segment. After the second rest stop, we continued into
Prescott via several short climbs and a fast downhill into town.
Departing Prescott, we continued into the Chino Valley area,
then northbound on Highway 89 through the pine forested terrain.
The final segment was about 15 miles on I-40 with some shallow
but annoying climbs (because we were all so tired), then into
Williams.
Temperatures didn't seem quite as hot as days 1-3, since we
were at higher elevations. Ken and Cheryl rode at a somewhat
conservative pace today to save enough energy for all the hills.
Chuck was feeling friskier, and finished a full hour ahead of
us - he had an excellent day. Overall the 3 of us all had a
successful day, with the saddle sore and foot problems much
improved from yesterday.
Ken
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Memorable Scenery:
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Sunflowers were beautiful on the side of the road
at Mile 50.
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Mechanical Problems:
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None - our bikes are running flawlessly!!
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Biomechanical (Engine)
Problems:
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Our engines are now running at full throttle
Chuck had to see how well his engine was firing and found that it ran
strong enough to get him to Lunch in 6th place, out of Lunch in 1st place,
and into the last Rest Stop in 1st place. He was on a solo breakaway
hoping for a stage win. His legs were on fire. GU was firing him
up. He had a blast carving out the switchbacks on some of the
descents.
However, there are some guys on the tour who
have MUCH BIGGER ENGINES than Chuck and two of them cranked by him on
the last stretch of the day on I40 going into Williams.
The reason Chuck had such a good day was that Team BMB rode at a smart
pace on the first three days ... and Team BMB launched Chuck off the
launch pad on the way up to the Yarnell climb today. Thanks Ken
and Cheryl!!
There are many ways to ride PAC Tour: Fast, slow, and many speeds in
between. Sometimes it's fun to see what you can do. Chuck got that
out of his system and is very happy with his 3rd Place Stage Win on
the Wickenburg to Williams Stage. Of course, no one is recording
any of this stuff ... but it's fun to imagine you're in the
Tour de France, talking to your Team Director on your microphone,
with crowds of people on both sides of the road.
Now that he has that out of his system
and he's ready to settle down.
Chuck
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What Worked:
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Chamois Buttr
Stretching
GU's - It was a 6 GU day for Chuck (Thanks Marcia)
Vaseline Lip Therapy (Thanks Bro. Rick)
Pasta for Dinner in Wickenburg even though it took forever
Breathing Technique: "He Blows 4 to 1"
from Carol's Childbirth Classes
worked well for Chuck on climbs (Thanks Carol)
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What Didn't Work:
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Ice Sock because Brain Dead Chuck didn't load it
with ice at the last Rest Stop
It's hard for an Ice Sock to work without Ice.
Strawberry Banana Power Gel tasted horrible in 95 Degree
weather
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Quote of the Day:
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"Is it getting better
or do you feel the same? ...
Love is a temple
Love's the higher law"
"One" by U2
Chuck sang this song all day long
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