Day 7: Cottonwood to Flagstaff, AZ

The first 13 miles today were somewhat uneventful.  Upon leaving our hotel, we fell in among a thousand MS150 riders almost immediately.  Although riding in a large crowd of recreational riders is not particularly enjoyable for me, at least we were on well-paved wide shoulders along a state highway.  Also, the undulating terrain helped to spread us all out and create breathing room as the stronger riders could crest the hills a bit faster.

Near Mile 18, we entered the celebrated city of Sedona, renowned mainly for its large red sandstone rock formations and its artistic and spiritual pursuits.  I don't have the camera and/or the photographic talent to capture the immense scale of the natural panoramic beauty of this area, but the following photos are my attempts.  Really, some things just have to be experienced in person using all your senses to appreciate and understand their beauty and power.  

Entering Sedona from the west along SR89A

Rock formations as viewed from a downtown overlook.
The smaller one is said to resemble the "Peanuts" character Snoopy
sleeping on top of his dog house.

Leaving Sedona

After leaving the heavy auto and human traffic in Sedona city behind, we traveled a rolling, two-lane, country road with no shoulder to and through the Oak Creek area of Sedona.  When traffic was absent, this was a pleasant cruise through a peaceful, very serene area.  When traffic approached -- and it usually approached in waves of 10 or more vehicles -- our bucolic ride of solitude would be usurped by the cacophony of cars, motorcycles, RVs, and tour buses rushing to be first at the next site of spirituality or beauty on their list. Thankfully, they were aware of our presence, if not always appreciative.

Oh good....an upcoming narrow precipitous bridge over a rocky river gorge.
(Must.... not..... look..... down.)

Along the way to the Oak Creek area of Sedona.

Along the way to the Oak Creek area of Sedona.

(Randy and Chuck)

The final two-mile climb to the Oak Creek Vista Overlook (and only SAG stop) was made tougher because of the increasing traffic coming up from behind us.  We had no shoulder to ride on most of the way and the edge of the road was not always adequate to ride on.  Still, riding on rough road edges with occasional longitudinal tire-width cracks or gaping potholes was preferable to veering sharply into traffic.  All was good though once we reached the overlook.  We feasted on wonderfully fresh, brightly colored fruit skewers and took advantage of the overlook to gaze out at the valley below and the hills that we climbed to get there.

On a 2 mile climb to the Oak Creek Vista Overlook
 -- our single SAG stop of the day at Mile 34.

View from Oak Creek Vista Overlook

The final 11 miles to the Flagstaff Drury Inn were rolling and comprised of smooth roads often with ample paved shoulder.  With our arrival, we finished 533 miles of cycling up hills and against headwinds in 7 consecutive days.  We were all tired and more than ready for our first full rest day on Sunday, May 18. 

Later this evening we took advantage of the famous Drury Inn Happy Hour (free drinks and snacks) before walking to the Beaver Street Brewing Co. in  Flagstaff old town for a great dinner and conversation about countries, history, philosophy, investing, cycling routes, miles trained, past injuries, current aches and pains, medicinal treatments, and the effects of aging.

Geoffrey, officially annointed by Brick S. as the CrossRoads 2014 judge of milk shakes, announced that he stopped at the DQ on Milton Rd. near our hotel and consumed a "classic" cherry shake topped with whipped cream and two cherries, and he considered it to be Very Good.  

Quote of the Night:  "I'll buy the rest of your Preparation H if you want to sell it."

Beaver Creek Brewing Co. -- great food, service, and atmosphere
Left side, front to back:  Randy, Barry, Richard, Ross, Tim, Herm
Right side, front to back:  Geoffrey, Alan, Chuck
(courtesy of photographer Tom W.) 

Day 7 Google Earth image and Elevation Profile
Cottonwood to Flagstaff, AZ