Desert Camp Day 3 - Coronodo Bisbee Loop

Click below for route and ride stats:
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/159951182

Although we started Tuesday morning at a new record low of 27 degrees, it did begin with sunshine that lasted all day.  Temps did climb to an afternoon high of 52.  So it was off again in full winter wear, but calm and sunny made for very upbeat riding conditions.

I rode out this morning with friends from the 2010 Elite Tour, Rob and Randy, along with his wife Susie, perhaps a future Elite Tour rider!  The route today was a counterclockwise loop to the south to Coronodo National Memorial, then to the east to the old mining town of Bisbee, to the North down Mule Pass and continuing on to Tombstone, finally back west to Sierra Vista.

The first hour roll out was very relaxed along smooth highway on a wide shoulder.  We flanked some of the biggest peaks in the area, which notably had the most snow cover from the previous two days.  As the road pitched to the east, there was an optional turn-off with a 6.5 mile climb up Coronado Monument.  I elected to check out this climb while the rest of the group was planning on getting to Bisbee to spend some time taking in the local culture. 

Randy and Susie - time to ride!

Elite Tour mates Rob, Randy and Susie.

At the turn-off to the Coronado climb.

After a short downhill, the climb up began at what was a decievingly tough grade, that is, it was much harder than it looked!  I was able to pick off most riders ahead of me except for one who I didnt have a prayer catching.  Got to the top, where the road turned to dirt, and it was back downhill to the sag stop and then follow the original route to the east and Bisbee, and lunch, in the next 20-25 miles or so.

After returning to the route following the 13 mile round trip Coronado climb, I pretty much knew I wouldn't have much of a chance rejoining my previous companions, but was now alone to put down whatever pace I felt comfortable with.  It was downhill for several miles before a long gradual climb into Bisbee for lunch.  The Bisbee welcome sign was placed way too far out of town, as it seemed like forever to get into downtown to where the lunch trailer was parked.  Today was spaghetti and meatballs which went down great on what was still a cold morning.

The Bisbee Bandit

After finishing lunch, I was of the incorrect impression that the descent down Mule Pass would begin momentarily so I donned my full mask to stay warm on the way down.  Boy, was I wrong.  It was at least a 2 mile uphill ride through the city and then onto an old closed road that was a steep climb above the main road which lead out of town.  Although streets were dry, there was still yesterday's snow in the front yards of homes.  The road quickly turned to crap and then there were barricades which needed to be navigated to get across the washed out road near the top of the pass. 

Top of Mule Pass

After a quick stop at the top, the road finally pitched back down to rejoin the main Highway 80 to begin a 6 mile descent down off of Mule Pass.  The road and shoulder were not in the best shape which hampered a fast descent.  That, and we were heading back into the wind.

Shortly after the grade began to level off, there was a turn-off to the left on Route 90 for those that wanted to cut off a few miles.  Otherwise, the route continued to the north to Tombstone, and then backtracked to the southwest to Sierra Vista. 

As I proceeded toward Tombstone, the weather finally started warming up, to the point, I was able to shed a few of the warmer things I was wearing.  Once unobstructed by mountains, visibility was incredible across the desert valley, which was a huge bowl among the surrounding mountains. Over my left shoulder, I could see the snow-capped mountains where Sierra Vista lay at the base.  So it was interesting that I could essentially trace my 36 remaining miles to home base over the horizon in front of me.

Looking back toward Sierra Vista while climbing to Tombstone.

There was a moderate climb into Tombstone (it now appears there is climbing involved as you are moving to or from just about any town), which warmed me up even further.  Having been through town yesterday on our shortened route, it was pretty easy to find the road back to Sierra Vista.  Fortunately, there was a pretty decent tail wind which pushed me all the way back into town,  On the outskirts of SV, I came across a number of riders who took the cut-off back to town.  And on my last turn before reaching the hotel, I rejoined Randy and Susie. 

It was off to DQ to celebrate a fun day riding.  While the average speeds from the bike computer, even after factoring out stops, don't indicate any impressive level of effort, I felt as though I rode pretty hard today.  I could feel it most in my lungs from heavy breathing and climbing in all that cold thin air.  I started developing a cough which persisted into dinner.  Hopefully this would abate by tomorrow's ride. 

The Seven was built with 2 cup holders!

Later in the evening, the whole group was treated to a presentation by Randy and Susie on thier experiences at the 2011 Race Across America.  Randy completed the solo division in 11 days which is simply phenominal.  They did an awesome job.