Day 7: Casa Grande, Arizona

The longest day of the trip, so far, started with an eight hundred foot climb and a 9-15 mph headwind.  My goal was to make it to Casa Grande by 3 pm which would require a combination of an early start time, strong pace, and minimal stops along the way.  We left camp early, maintained a good pace when riding with the wind, and minimized stops with the exception of a long lunch, which included a Tongue Taco (it is exactly what it sounds like).  We did make it to Casa Grande before 3, but we are staying at a school tonight, and had to wait for classes to dismiss for the day. 

Commercial:  Just a quick reminder that the secondary purpose of our journey is to raise funds to raise, train and place service dogs (free of charge) to persons with disabilities ranging from autism to post traumatic stress.

 Donate to Custom Canines Service Dog Academy

Our initial pace was significantly hampered by the strong continuous headwind and an uphill slope through the Sonoran Desert.  For the first twenty miles we were surrounded by cactus, predominantly, saguaro cacti.  We have seen only one snake so far, unfortunately not fast enough to get off the warm pavement in time to avoid a car.

 

We cycled past feedlots, which held 5000 steers (we guess, we did not take time to count!). As we in the Midwest (and here in the West) say, "smells like money!" 

Once again we stopped for Mexican food this time at a restaurant called Asadero el Tata for lunch.  Jeff ordered up a Tongue Taco, which Lisa refused to try.  He said it was tender and tasty.  The wind appeared to change directions during our lunch stop.  However, shortly after returning to the road it mysteriously switched back.  We fought the wind for the remaining twenty miles, but enjoyed the company of our new friend Gail.


Tonight's dinner was prepared and served by the advanced culinary club of Casa Grande Union high school juniors and seniors and their director.  It was a fantastic lasagna (meat or veggie), a huge green salad with tons of veggies inside, a homemade ranch dressing, garlic bread and topped off with a brownie drizzled in caramel sauce.  Delicious!  Breakfast will also be made by these students, and we cannot wait to enjoy even more of the cuisine made by these talented students.


UK Update:  The wind and high temperatures are negatively impacting Graham's comfort, but he finished today's ride strong.  We are so proud of him--it is a satisfying accomplishment!  He will be trying to get the majority of the daily mileage in before noon. 
Here he is in action: