BEWARE! There was a reason we only had to bike 48 miles!!

Today's ride was one breath-taking view after another - I think I've said that before! Even the 5-6 % grade that went on for 2 miles was worth the climb and God surprised me with just one marvel after another. The biggest surprise at the top of the hill was one of my biking partners with a flat tire! It only took 4 of us to change it - we are getting so good! (There was a second climb for 9 miles...another story!) I love the cactus...and the flowers blooming along the roadside. Purple, yellow and hot pink.

Queen Creek Tunnel in the Signal Mountains...riding through it was a bit hair-raising and of course uphill all the way. NOTICE: THE NEXT PICTURE IS X-RATED!

We think the posts supporting the cactus to help it stand straight and upright is the desert's form of Viagra!

Pictures speak louder than words...and my picture isn't as beautiful as it really is. Miles and miles of ground cover along the highway.

A bridge in Gonzales Pass....I had to stop while on it so I could take pictures and it a suspension bridge.....not a good idea to stop! Again, some people learn the hard way.

Friends at the top of the mountain.....Amy, Katie, Lynn with Baby Tennessee on her back, me, Kirby and Suzanne. Do we look happy and proud or what?

Hazards of the day:

• No shoulders on the road most of the day and that white line is like a "tight rope" to try to stay on.
• Rumble strips (those things that "rumble" and cause bumps if you start to leave the road) are very difficult to ride on if you are on a bike...and sometimes it was our only choice.
• Cars that think they are being helpful by laying on their horn to let you know they are coming up on you at 75 mph. Maybe slowing down to 60 would be more of a help to us!

Blessings of the day:

• There was never a head wind...some talked of a tail wind for a while...it never pushed me along - perhaps I weigh too much.
• 50% of the women say their hooha is healing. Your hooha sits on your seat all day!
• The hotel is wonderful....we get to eat inside tonight as the elevation here has brought in cool breezes.
• The other 22 women I'm with who are such encourager's!

Oh, how could I forgot to tell you....I know some of you were worried that the bike group would not know I am "The Princess"...and I don't think they have figured it out - but they have nick-named me "Sparkle". That's getting close, isn't it?

Time to sign off....84 miles tomorrow....