Departure: Benson, AZ Finish: Bisbee, AZ Distance: 50.9 miles
Elevation gain: 3,351 feet (The last climb’s summit was at 6,042’ elevation.)
Winds: Same as Day 7. Headwinds all day. 5 to 7 mph.
Weather: CAVU Departed with 42 degrees. Arrived with 69 degrees.
On bike duration: 4 hrs, 31 minutes.
Average speed: 11.2 mph
Chilly start to a sunny morning. But, it warmed quickly. It was my first day of the trip in short sleeves. We continued to follow US Hwy 80, as we have much of the way. It has been the frontage road along Interstates 8 and 10. Today we left the interstate and climbed into Tombstone and then climbed further into Bisbee.
I hadn’t realized Tombstone (the entire town) is on the “National Register of Historic Places”. Its entire existence now is Old-West tourism. I was very impressed with how well preserved it is; with a dirt Main Street, wooden side walks, Stage Coach tours, and “Big Nose Kate’s Saloon”.
As for the riding, the first half of the day looked like this - desolate headwinds:
The second half of the day looked like this - desperate climbing:
The climb into Bisbee stretched the group out a ways. None of us were moving very fast. Tom and Athena, on the tandem, kept a slow steady pace at the back.
Bisbee was a copper mining town. Our tour director described it today as a Hippie Town. I saw some evidence of that when we rode in. We’re staying at the Bisbee Grand Hotel. I had to include some pictures because it’s a little over the top, and yet, comfortable.
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