Apaches!

What a great day. I started at 8000 feet wrapped up against the cold and headed down the mountains. Not before I passed a ski resort and a casino. This is what happens when you follow your nose.


The map said Apache Forest but I didn't realise I was going into their reservation territory. I went through a small village of pretty poor homes and a mile later arrived at a smart looking Casino complex. Its niave of me I suppose but I would have thought that it would have brought wealth to more of the community. Having said that I passed a modern hospital and two ambulances marked Apache Health system so perhaps this is where the benefit comes.


I was not tempted to gamble, basically because I'm rubbish, but I so nearly took the 7 mile drive to the ski resort. But, I've come here to ride, and ride is what I'm doing.


I now have to add a new animal to avoid on the roads. To add to the signs I've seen for deer, livestock, horses and bears, I can now add elk. For 45 miles!!! Nearly ran over a roadrunner in New Mexico but I don't think that's too big a risk.

After the road through the forest I headed over Geronimo pass (really), down the platue towards Globe and found myself on one of the best biking roads ever.
Dropping 5000 feet over about 60 miles following wide winding roads through canyons. What a ride :o)

I stopped for a picnic lunch on the bend with THE best view. One of the huge lorries pulled over and the driver, after a brief look into the chasm came over to talk. He was hauling 50 thousand pounds of goods (thats what he said...) from Pheonix to Albequerque for the first time. He wanted to know how much further the climb went on. He had struggled coming down into the canyon, his brakes overheating badly. Don't want him behind me!

Stopped for the night in Globe. I had intended going a further 30 miles to Roosevelt but the key on the map indicated it was a one elk town. If they had no motel, another 100 miles was just too much and would have ruined a perfect day.