Adios Gila

Believe what I am about to tell you. A few days in Gila Bend and you are ready to ride just about anywhere. I was pretty happy to be riding away from Gila Bend, even if it meant climbing all morning. The route to Casa Grande started with a 34 mile gradual climb along I-8 east. The climbing, combined with a mild headwind, made for a slow morning. In addition, the "mountain top mirage" was a bit frustrating.

The sight lines of the climb kept you thinking that you were almost at the top. Looking ahead, you could usually see about a mile of road that appeared to level off at the end. However, as you approached the top you would then see that the "top" was just a short flat spot -- and that you had about another mile of climbing remaining. That went on all morning. After that, it was pretty flat. Virtually no descending at all today.

We rode by the same cattle feed that we passed on our way out. No dead cows today. I wonder what they do with those dead cows...

Route: Gila Bend to Casa Grande
Distance: 61.5 miles
Speed (avg/max): 16.5 mph / 28.8 mph
Riding Time: 3 hours 43 minutes
Total Time: 4 hours 14 minutes
Power (avg/max) 156 watts / 731 watts
Calories Measured at Wheel: 2,092
Heart Rate (min/max/avg): ??? bpm / ??? bpm / ??? bpm

Miles this Year: 1575