Maidei goes on a world tour-Part 1 of the Bicycle Mystery Tour

[azfiddle]

Here is a link to more photos from Madei's 2nd visit to Saguaro National park. My DH took these. The Saguaros are in full bloom and the Palo Verde trees are past their peak but still full of yellow blossoms. The last pictures are from the Audubon Birdathon awards/barbecue (which Madei did not attend).

https://picasaweb.google.com/1117972...17838570553154

[azfiddle]

Maidei took her last two rides with me. On Weds, May 16, we did the Ride of Silence in Tucson. About 100 riders followed a 10 mile circuit in honor of those who have suffered loss of life or injury due to crashes with vehicles on the road. We rode to the start and came home as it was getting dark, but with plenty of lights.

Today, May 20, we did an ascent up the lower part of Mount Lemmon, to about 4200 feet Molino Basin. It was just high enough to get out of the lower Sonoran Desert and into the lowest oak trees, yuccas and grass of the upper Sonoran Desert. We just didn't have time to ride up into the pine forest higher up. We got a bit of a late start- almost 7:30 am and it was pretty warm climbing up the mountain. Coming down was delicious- over 30 mph for most of the way to the base. We met my DH at the cafe for iced mocha and a pastry.

The photos are in the wrong order: on the right is Maidei at the Babad Duag overlook, about 3 miles up and 3300 feet elevation, then at 4000 feet, and the left hand picture is our final stop at Molino Basin, under the oaks but sunny grassy hillsides are in the background- about 4300 feet. Last pic- Maidei enjoying the cyclists hangout and part of my iced mocha at Le Buzz Cafe at the base of the mountain.
I'll be sending Maidei on her way this week to her next destination with Melalvai in Missouri.

[Catrin]

It is going to take me quite some time to get Maidei's photos/journey on Animaps. If anyone wants to help out let me know. It is fun, but a slow process... just send me a PM if you want to help out and we can decide the best way to do this.

[lovelygamer]

This is the cutest thing ever!!!

[azfiddle]

We gave Maidei her very last ride with us on Sunday- 68 miles south of Tucson to Sahuarita and back. She (and I) posed for a picture at a sign that could be interpreted as a "flat-fixing zone" (or an upside down bike route sign). She enjoyed great looks at a pair of Gray Hawks that must be nesting in the pecan orchards there.

Maidei is heading out to Missouri now for new adventures!

[Melalvai]

Maidei arrived back in Missouri yesterday. Opening her box and looking through all the postcards, maps, notes, and trinkets was so exciting. I wonder what we'll add to the box.

Maidei joined me this morning biking out to pick blueberries. She is excited about participating in Bike Across Kansas next week!

Maidei rides in the basket


Maidei helps Nell pick blueberries


Maidei tries a few blueberries herself. Yum!

[Melalvai]

Maidei's jayhawk hat

I got her cleaned up and repaired her mouth--she looks much happier now! I'm going out of town and my flight leaves in a couple hours so I won't have a chance to ship her until early next week. Hopefully, over the weekend I'll get some of our adventures posted. In the meantime, here's some of the stories I've been posting about the trip:
http://www.kemenel.org/melalvai/

My favorite story from the trip, about riding a tandem for a day (edit: warning-- this will bring tears to your eyes)
http://www.kirksvilledailyexpress.co...37/The-BAK-End

A Kansas "breeze":
http://www.kirksvilledailyexpress.co...-Kansas-breeze

[shootingstar]

Looks like Maidei will experience some heat/humidity and fall colour later.