Trip Journal Post 1: Day 1-4

Day 1: Apache Junction to Peridot, AZ. (78 miles) At the moment I'm sitting in a motel lobby in Silver City, New Mexico. We left Apache Junction, Az on March 30th, 2007 after driving down the previous evening. We met my Uncle Dan Rodgers and family for dinner and they also came to see us off the following morning. With their encouragement and some final photos, we sailed eastward. The climb to Globe was easier than expected, but there was an element of terror because of the narrow bridges, no shoulders, and a tunnel with an uphill climb! Aside from that it was a fantastic day of riding. We logged 78 miles and "gorilla" camped along the San Carlos river near Peridot, Az. During the night ice formed on the top of my sleeping bag and we learned the following morning that it had dipped well below freezing. (We also learned that it's better to pitch the tents, especially when there's a full moon. It was like sleeping under a stadium light!)
Day 2: Peridot to Thatcher (65 miles) We met an elderly English couple, the Spiveys, at the grocery store in Peridot. Their bikes were 30 years old or older and their combined luggage was less than either ONE of ours! They are doing the Southern Tier and have done many other long distance tours. That evening Curt holed up to watch the final four college basketball at the motel; I went exploring with an unloaded bike and did my laundry in Safford, Az.
Day 3: Thatcher to Buckhorn (80 miles) We overtook the Spiveys during the climb to a 4800' pass and rode with them through the fast descent into 3 Way, Az. It was truly a pleasure visiting with them, but I fear it will be our last as they're traveling at a more leisurely pace. They were scheduled to camp at 3 Way so, after lunch, we parted company and began the strenuous climb to a 6300' pass. I watched Curt recede into the distance and settled into the most grueling climb so far. I finally reached the top to find Curt there waiting. He had finished his final water bottle so I split my last one and we hoped for water ahead in Mule Creek, 12 miles away. Somewhere in between we crossed the state line into New Mexico, where we took advantage of a photo opportunity. At Mule Creek we had to sneak around a unoccupied house to get water from a hose bib. With full bottles we pushed the last 19 miles to Buckhorn, just skidding in before dark. We wolfed down pizza at the grocery store and set up camp under the full moon. Yes, I learned my lesson and pitched a tent. We met three more travelers going east at the campground but they are staying in Silver City, NM for a rest day.
Day 4: Buckhorn to Silver City (37 Miles) Today was to be considered a recovery ride after yesterdays' tough course. We must be prepared for the most difficult climb on the entire Southern Tier, Emery Pass (8228') tomorrow. Today turned out to be harder than we expected with rolling hills all the way into Silver City, NM. Curt was snoozing as I left to make this entry. I will continue to update as the opportunity arises.