Dolly's Bike Blog

March 15, Wickenburg to Phoenix

Again we started our ride on US 60. After 8 miles, we turned east on SR 74, with signs suggesting road work ahead. We had a brief pause for one lane traffic, then discovered that the road had recently been paved – a wonderful wide, smooth shoulder. I did become curious about some marks on the road in regular intervals, and was able to ask a surveyor about them: core samples to confirm 2 new inches of asphalt had been laid.

Thanks to the recent construction work, we discovered “stray” port-a-lets along the road, surprisingly clean.

I have been fascinated by the changing “vegetation”. Yesterday on US 60, there was mostly scrub brush, very little green. Today the saguaro cactuses were quite tall with more arms than we have seen the past days.

Just over 30 miles into the ride, I passed this sign indicating the city limits – still had another 30 miles or so to go.

The route was along the Carefree Highway, which did not live up to its name.

My energy was depleting fast in the midday heat, and I came upon Jo from our group, and we were able to have a cool lunch at the Heart and Soul Cafe – I think we both felt we had given heart and soul to the ride this morning.

With renewed strength, we pedaled the remaining 15 miles, our goal a local bike shop where many from our group planned to make purchases and have bike adjustments – I bought a pair of sun sleeves to protect my arms from the sun’s rays.

Special dinner tonight (poached salmon), as we say goodby to Bell Brinn, who injured her shoulder on day one. In Blythe, she found out it was separated, so she is headed home tomorrow.
She has been such a trooper this past week, in some pain, and knowing her dream must be postponed.

My roommate tonight is Beth Walsh from Southport, CT. She is a financial analyst for Americares, and has only recently gotten into cycling.

Total miles 77, average 12.6.

March 14, Salome to Wickenburg:

We spent the entire day on US 60 – not as bad as the interstate, but still plenty of trucks and motor homes. It would appear that some of the snowbirds are headed back up north and/or spring break has begun.

Just outside of Aguila, about 30 miles into the ride, I came across this interesting planting machine. I was able to stop a farm truck and found out they were planting chick peas (garbanzo beans).

Further down the road, there was a large group of horse trailers, so I went exploring. They were having a team roping competition. Didn’t linger as I had to make Wickenburg.

My Radford friend Jacque Howe Ward has a friend in town who is the librarian. So my first stop in town was at the library to meet Ann Boles.

Then, at the recommendation of my friends Warren and Sandy, I headed to the Desert Caballeros Western Museum – a very good collection of cowboy art and artifacts.

Beautiful sculpture out front titled “Thanks for the Rain.”

Warren and Sandy drove out from Phoenix to join me for dinner. Sandy’s chocolate chip bars were a big hit for dessert. And I am most thankful to Warren for installing a new bicycle computer, so I have a running total of my miles each day and cumulatively.

My roommate for the night was Mel Brill, a retired firefighter/EMT for Orlando, FL. She is riding a heavy mountain bike with suspension springs. This photo is of her with her new lighter bike, purchased today in Phoenix.

Total miles 58, probably faster average than any previous day.

March 13, Blythe, CA to Salome, AZ:

After only 4 miles of cycling this morning, we pushed our bikes up an incline and walked across the Colorado River to Arizona, our first state crossing (celebrated with margaritas later at dinner).

Then the real fun began, riding for 20 miles along the shoulder of I-10. I didn’t need the IPod and speakers as I had the constant sound of trucks whizzing by.

We detoured off the interstate in the town of Quartzsite to visit Sweet Darlene’s, known for baked goods. I was diverted by a display of rocks and gems from all over the world, though specifically interested in the local quartz.

Also stopped to visit the Tyson’s Well Stage Coach Museum, where they are excavating the site of an old hotel.

Among the local memorabilia are several stone miniatures created by a rock hound named Mr. Barrett.

I explored so long that the sag driver called to be sure I was ok – they’ll have to learn about my dawdling style. Little Bo Peep watching over some of her sheep:

Sadly, after filling my water bottles and eating a snack, it was back on I-10 for another 11 miles. It was definitely heating up and we took some much needed shade under an exit overpass.

It was quite exciting to see the exit for US 60 and bid most of the trucks goodby.

On to Brenda, where the local store had closed, replaced by this interestingly designed snack shop. I drank a huge container of fresh squeezed lemonade (think State Fair).

Check out the size of the saguaro cactuses in the area:

Just when we were more than hot, we passed through Hope (my apologies to all teachers).

Overnight, we are staying at Sheffler’s Motel in Salome. This is like a time warp, a single story U-shaped groups of rooms around a pool (quite empty), just liked we stopped as youngsters when on driving trips before the interstates. I have a single room tonight.

Total 64 hot miles.