Today's Ride to Winslow, Arizona - "Such a Fine Sight to See"

Day 6
Cottonwood, AZ to Winslow, AZ
Friday, September 18, 2015
110 miles
7,000 feet of climbing
 
Today we headed to Winslow, Arizona - the town made famous by the Eagles' song, "Take it Easy."  It was another big climbing day, with 7,000 feet of ascent, most of which was concentrated in the first 60 miles of the ride.  We first started with some gentle, rolling hills as we rode out of Cottonwood. The steepish, unrelenting climbing started around mile 23. Although the ride was challenging (especially the first half), the views were magnificent. Every corner we turned, brought another spectacular sight.   The PAC Tour crew fuel us up with a great lunch of grilled burgers and veggie burgers with all the fixings. After lunch at mile 62, we had a gradual but rolling descent right into Winslow.  Our lodging for the night is the historic La Posada Hotel, the last Great Railroad Hotel, built in 1929.  Its a gorgeous hotel with rooms named after iconic movie stars  (we are in the Jackie Gleason room).  We had dinner tonight with fellow riders Ed. P. and Tom N. in the Turquoise Room, a contemporary (i.e., fancy) restaurant right in the hotel.  The food was excellent, but the company was even better.  We've ridden with Ed and Tom on other PAC Tour rides, so we are like old friends.  For dessert, we shared a decadent chocolate grand marnier souffle, which was to die for.  Now it's time to rest up for tomorrow's 122-mile ride to Springerville.  Meanwhile, I'll enjoy "standin' on the corner in Winslow, Arizona . . ."

Elevation profile of today's ride

Beautiful sunshine and blue skies all day

Sights on the climb

 

Tom D. and Marcy

Jonathan making his way up the ridge

Ed P. arriving at the 2nd rest stop

Lunch!

Grillmaster Steve

Lunch in the park

Climbing through the forest

 

Art - heading toward Winslow

Another view of Art heading toward Winslow.

Dinner at the fancy-schmancy Turquoise room at La Posada - Art, Tom N. and Ed. P.