Never Have I Ever...
Day 5 - Prescott, AZ to Sedona AZ (65 miles and 4100 feet of climbing)
Never have I ever ridden my bike at altitude until today. Our adventure is mostly about strengthening bonds, but is is also about expanding our horizons, literally and figuratively. Last night I was a bit apprehensive, because I had never exercised at altitude and the three of us were feeling a bit dizzy during dinner in Prescott at 5000 feet. Shannon didn't help the cause much when she warned me of all the altitude sickness symptoms and changing weather patterns based on all her experience hiking in the mountains. So I did what anyone does when they are nervous. I Googled riding at altitude. The guidance was simple. Ride at an easy pace so you could carry on a conversation, which is exactly what I did.
Today, we got to sleep in til 5am because we are finally outside of the heat dome. I started riding at 6am and made good time to mile 16 where the climb began. I rode in my easiest gear at conversation pace, took in the beautiful views and, before I knew it, I was at the top at 7000 feet. I did not really notice any lack of oxygen, which is good because the next week is at similar altitudes. The next 16 miles were all downhill with lots of switchbacks and scenic views.
The rest of the ride was uneventful. I missed not having a riding partner, so I sang all the songs I know by heart to pass the time (e.g. Sweet Caroline, American Pie, Only the Good Die Young, etc). I cannot sing to save my soul but it sounded pitch perfect to my ears and helped the miles pass by quickly. At the top of the last climb before the downhill into Sedona, a cyclist coming in the opposite direction gave me a peace sign and a big HEY. I knew I had found a comfortable place to stay. I met Shannon and Robin at the hotel, and will let Shannon take it from here.
Mom and I decided to take an extra rest day and skip out on the altitude. We walked around Lynx Lake in Prescott before it got too hot, then we packed up the car and headed to meet Dad at the hotel. Driving through the mountains convinced us we had made the right decision to sit this one out. We made all made it safely to Sedona and are excited for another rest day tomorrow.
Maude was welcomed to our hotel with a water bowl and a dog treat. She spent the day sleeping on various beds and in the back seat of the car. She’s currently cuddled between my parents watching the Tour de France.
