Day 4: 5/19/10 Flagstaff, AZ to Kayenta, AZ

Click below to review the day's route and ride stats:

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/33863905

Today was a "recovery day", the same dustance as yesterday at 150 miles but far less climbing at only about 4,600 feet.  We began after sun up in freezing temperatures in Flagstaff.  Following a 500 foot climb in the first 20 miles of the day, we quickly warmed up.  The next 40 miles were all decending, by about 3,000 feet.  Within the first 2 hours, everyone shed thier jackets, hats and other winter gear and we were all in short sleeve jerseys again.

As soon as we turned east on Route 160, we began climbing again into Tuba City.  Terrain again today was spectacular and weather has been perfect every day thusfar with the exception of the 98 degree heat on Day 1.  For the most part, today was a recovery day for me.  I rode mostly in small groups, of no more than four others, sometimes just me plus one.  Since the day was predominantly downhill, we were able to move along failry quickly and arrived in our hotel in Kayenta with plenty of time to relax. 

Much of today's route lead us through Navajo Indian Reservation.  There were many roadside shops and antique stores where you could purchase items distincly "southwest".

One thing I have learned thus far on PAC Tour is not to rely on forecasts on wind direction.  Today was a mix of everything.  We had headwinds followed by cross winds, then tailwinds, then no wind.  We would stand at a SAG stop and in five minutes time see the wind direction change.  There were number of really cool decents which were ruined by stiff cross breezes or headwinds. 

We only rode on 2 roadways today so it was pretty easy not to get lost.  Turn out of the hotel, turn right onto highway 160 at the 68 mile mark and turn right at mile 150 into the hotel.  We did have some pretty nasty road surfaces within the last 50 mile of finishing.   This combined with crosswinds made for a pretty tough afternoon.  We were all feeling pretty beat up by the last SAG stop with 20 mile to go for the day.  Although we were feeling pretty discoraged about finishing the last 20 miles, shortly after pulling out, we were greeted with smooth roads, a whole lot of decending, more scenic peaks and valleys, AND that elusive tail wind.  We totally smoked our way back to the hotel in no time flat and were riding high from such a great day in the saddle.

Here are a few picks from today's ride.

Climbing up to Tuba City

At our 83 mile lunch stop.  Snowcapped mountain in the

 distance is Flagstaff where we started this morning

Lunch stop.  Grilled cheese and tomato.  Yum!

Lynn at the lunch stop.

One of the three PAC Tour vehicles used to support riders.

More than 100 Harleys thundered by with Police escort.

The PAC van.

Two of my very strong riding partners the last 2 days.

A wild dog sleeping by our hotel. 

We thought he was dead till I walked up.

Our progress after 4 days.