Pull out of the motel at 7:15. the roads are white with ice. I’m not liking this. Two routes this morning 70 miles and not a lot of climbing up through the local roads or, 94 miles 1000 metres of climbing but clear on the maps.
Turn left for the short option. After only 800m it seems the left turn is via a farm with large no entry signs all around. Plus pictures of firearms. Not for me. Do my U turn and prepare myself for the 90+ miles. Pull over and but on my gloves for the first time. Not a great start.
It’s cold but dry so I get my head down, first stop is ash fork. Need to pick up water, I have food onboard, bread and cheese. 20 miles in and I ride through Ash to cold to stop, even thou I’m climbing. Next place is Williams at 40 miles. This place is just made up of Disney like saloons, hotels and garages. Pull over at a garage and get my water, chocolate and sprite. 50+ miles to go from here , making good time. Turn left and this is the road to the canyon. Take off my jacket and gloves but it’s still a chilly head wind. Just a long undulating road ahead, slowly climbing.
Sky is blue and looks very warm. Not so, my feet have been cold all day. Nothing to do with the fact I’ve had these summer socks on since Poland. Time to change maybe!
Not a hard ride this afternoon, made good time this morning so I’m not worried about it getting dark. Planned to finish around 4 but should be done at 3.
Ground floor room at the motel allows me to roll the bike straight in. Cool, going to go over the bike tomorrow and the canyon.
Dinner in the hotel with a hundred German tourists. All good fun.

Worst sign of the day,
Snow Chains or 4 wheel drive recommended
For the next 18 miles

Funniest
Flooding likely, next four miles
Turn around
DON’T DROWN