Day 9 - David and Goliath

Cindy, my wonderful wife, sent me this inspirational message today. I can't tell you how much it helped me. Today the 6,500 feet of climbing was Goliath and I guess I needed to be David. At the beginning of every climb I recited this message. You can't believe how this helped me get up these steep mountain passes. 

The first part of the ride took us though Mesa, AR. We rode through beautiful neighborhoods on very safe roads toward The Superstition Mountains. At mile 20 we began our first climb which wasn't too bad. As we entered the mountains the scenery was incredibly beautiful.

Once we got on Route 87 we had a rest stop and Shanon and James our route leaders gave us mounds of encouragement knowing what was waiting ahead.

Goliath was looming up ahead and we rode right towards him. The first climb was 6 and 7 percent grades lasting about 10 miles. We had several more like this over the next 30 miles and some people just couldn't do it. My buddy Pat Musta had a strong day and slew Goliath as did all of our group which consisted of James, Dick and our new rider, Brian.

Once we turned onto Route 188 it was an easy 12 miles to Tonto Basin where we're sleeping in a church's commissary. Bob, one of the very strong riders bought us all pizza and we feasted. Dr. Nick said we burned roughly 5,500 calories so we had seconds and thirds. We're all now laying on our air mattresses watching a movie. Today was a great day. Tomorrow is supposed to be a much easier day as we make our way to Globe, AZ. Hopefully Goliath will rest in his grave.

Pat slaying Goliath.