We left the hotel two hours later than usual to avoid getting to the next hotel too early in the day. Today was a "short" day in term of mileage but full of false flats and long climbs. At mile 15 we began a 12 mile climb - nine miles of 3-4% followed by three miles of 6-8% to the only SAG stop of the day at the top of Mingus Mountain. Then came the fun, 12 miles of downhill through the old mining town of Jerome and then down to Cottonwood. We stopped at the Haunted Hamburger in Jerome for shakes and burgers before finishing the downhill. The climb over Mingus Mtn is one of the highlights of the cross country trip with gorgeous views and good road through the pines.
3:07 hours; 44 miles; 2,565' of climb; 2,500 Calories
Pronghorn antelope. Willie said, "What are those animals looking at us, deer?" No, they were antelopes. This is a long shot with my little camera.
This sign says it all.
Willie looking back at where we came from.
Brian taking a breather one mile from the top.
Looking back down the mountain.
The SAG stop at the top of Mingus Summit.
7,023 feet elevation
Ok, finally found the "comments" place.
ReplyDeleteHome, home on the range
Where the deer & the antelope play
Where never is heard
A discouraging word
And the skies are not cloudy all day!
You all are amazing!
Did you find that big prime rib last night? Pretty good vertical today.i think you made up the 2225 calories in that shake!
ReplyDeleteOh, yes! Murph's restaurant near the hotel. Ten oz., medium rare prime rib, salad and baked potato with the works. Yummy.
DeleteTwelve miles downhill? WHEE WHEE WHEE all the way home!
ReplyDelete