Completed first 200 k brevet- with extended "travelogue"

[Desert Tortoise]

Congratulations!!! Another nice feather for your hat. I'd glad your left side didn't give you too much grief. High Five

[Susan Otcenas]

Congratulations on your first 200K!! (Yup, I said "first". Most people come back for more, despite protestations... )

I rode two permanents when I was visiting family in AZ in 2010. The Arivaca 200K and the Mt Lemmon 100K hill climb. Especially on the Arivaca route, there were certainly some soul-sucking long monotonous stretches of scruffy desert and not a whole lot else. But I enjoyed the ride nonetheless, as the scenery was so different than what we get in the Pacific Northwest. I never got tired of looking at the Saguaro.

Don't bump up to the 300K until you are well and truly ready, regardless of what DH does. Riding at night, after a long day in the saddle, is definitely not for everyone. Get in a few more 200Ks first, build your confidence, experiment with some lighting systems on an easy evening ride (will help work out the kinks) ,etc.

And, again, CONGRATS! It's a huge accomplishment to ride a distance like that. You'll never forget your "first time".

Susan

[Tri Girl]

Congrats, AZfiddle! I hope to do one of those one day. The longest I've ever ridden was the 112 miles in both Ironman (Ironmen?) that I've done. I don't know that I *need* to go further, but I sure want to...
Way to go! Now rest up and get ready for the next. Yup- I suspect there will be more...

[Dogmama]

Especially on the Arivaca route, there were certainly some soul-sucking long monotonous stretches of scruffy desert and not a whole lot else.

Susan

Soul sucking - ha! After being in AZ for over 50 years, I can definitely relate to soul sucking routes! Especially in the summer - ugh.

AZFiddle - you're amazing!

[bmccasland]

Yay AzFiddle!! Congratulations on your ride!

Since I used to live in AZ, I can almost imagine the parts of the route. Do know about mind numbing cresote flats (actually a fascinating ancient plant).

[azfiddle]

Thanks to all, especially Susan, as I know you have tackled many brevets and much more arduous ones.

Here are a few pictures-
The "lunch stop" at 87.5 miles with my very considerate husband Chuck (who could have cut a couple hours off of this ride if he wanted to!). Somewhat refreshed and ready to ride again.

The late afternoon light on the volcanic hills southwest of Chuichu, and the road ahead. Still over 20 miles to go.

DONE! The sun has clearly not set, and our cards have been stamped.

[Tri Girl]

beautiful photos!! I miss that part of the state. Went to the UofA and miss Tucson so much. Hope to retire there some day... thanks for sharing your pics. You look SO happy at the end- priceless smile!!