Flagstaff, AZ to Holbrook
95.6 mi, 1,260ft gain, 50-97F/sunny & slight tailwind
Today’s start in Flagstaff feels like 2 days ago, not sure why. We left the pine trees after about 20 miles.. where we were back in high desert. A slight tailwind and downhill made for some quick distance gains. At the first SAG stop at an i40 rest area Paula had mini pies that were so delicious! I ate it too fast to take a picture. We made our way to Winslow, AZ for some dang good ice cream and a photo op. I’ve lived in AZ since ‘04 and have never stopped here. I was happy to get the chance today.
I briefly talked to a man also cycling across country on a penny farthing bike. He’s headed to Maryland and rides 50 miles a day. It looked to challenging!
As I rode out of Holbrook I saw the 9/11 memorial. I had completely forgotten that was here!! I took a moment there in somewhat sadness and awe that the beams from the towers are here in Holbrook. It is worth the pause and reflection if you’re in town. You an walk up to them and touch them.
On route I had 2 flats, both tire wires. That slowed me down a bit, but still really enjoyed the riding. I rarely get to ride without stop lights or signs. Although we were on the highway shoulder it was quite nice. It wasn’t as loud or scary as the i10 in my opinion.
The second SAG stop was at the Jackrabbit store on old Route 66. We looked around and took fun pics. The ride to the hotel took us through Holbrook and up onto the edge of town. Dinner was at a place just down the street. I got pie… bringing my desert count to 3 for the day. lol
View walking to dinner:
When I got back from dinner I found my front tire flat. It has 2 tire wires in it. That brings my trip total to 6.
Local Bike Infrastructure:
Leaving Flag was very smooth in the bike lanes all the way to the highway. On the highway shoulder there was plenty to avoid, but it was fairly smooth the whole way!
Tomorrow is another 92mi day on i40 with more elevation gain. It will take us away from my home state of AZ and into NM! I’m constantly in awe we’ve come this far by bike.
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