Day 14 - Sat, Oct 19 - Apache Junction to Globe (Arizona)

Updated: Nov 17, 2024

It was a very good day today. When I left Apache Junction, there was a slight drizzle, a stark contrast from the searing dry heat I had experienced over the last two weeks.

As I rode out of town, I was struck by the difference between the northern and southern skies. The northern sky was clear with white clouds that had gilded edges created by the sun. The southern sky was filled with gray clouds that turned darker southward as a storm moved across the area.

I was held in awe by the beauty of the mountains. Hopefully, the pictures below can convey the feeling I got when looking at them. Unfortunately, this also indicated to me that I had a challenging time ahead; I had to climb those beautiful mountains. I reminded myself that what goes up must come down, and it is the down part that I really enjoy.

About an hour into the ride, I had a similar experience to one I had while riding the Northern Tier. I saw a little stuffed clown lying on the side of the road and scooped it up as I had done with Orph. I figured well, now Orph has a friend 😊.

I reached a point where cyclists were advised to take a detour. They were diverting cyclists because the route included a narrow tunnel and the powers that be were concerned that cyclists may be injured in the tunnel. But when I arrived at the start of the detour route it was barricaded off. As is the case with several roadwork projects, the information relating to the detour was totally out of date. The guard informed me the original road through the tunnel had since been widened and is once more in use.

The detour route has subsequently been closed and is now out of bounds. Oh well - all in a day's cycling!

Things turned out well. The tunnel is short and the newly widened road includes a dedicated cycling lane. Another positive is that it now provides quite a few photo ops on both sides of the tunnel.