Day 6

Dateland, AZ to Mesa, AZ - 28 miles biking

Hitched a ride from Dateland to Phoenix.

Biked 28 miles from Phoenix to Mesa.

The temperature dipped pretty low in the tent last night, though I was tired enough that I didn't care.  Last night I got to thinking about whether or not I wanted to bike through literally the middle of nowhere, or see if I could hitch a ride with somebody heading eastbound from the travel center.  

I packed up my things in the morning and headed over there.  After talking to a couple of parties headed westbound, not eastbound, I spotted a nice campervan.  Before I knew it, I was on my way to Phoenix.  Kudos to Brian and Jen who were on their way to Flagstaff.  Conversation was easy for the two-hour ride before they dropped me off and continued north on I-17.  I almost wanted to keep heading north, as Flagstaff is indeed my favorite city in Arizona.  Ask me why sometime.

Absolutely fantastic describes both today's weather and the bike infrastructure in the Phoenix/Mesa metro area.  The Grand Canal Trail, Rio Salado Path along the Salt River, and Sun Circle Trail, along with high quality, wide bike lanes, reduced speed limits, and clear paint or barriers facilitated easy, safe, and enjoyable navigation.  That may have been the most enjoyable stretch of biking so far on the trip.  And in the middle of a metro area.  I knew it was good but was surprised at how good.  Other cities should take note.

Getting a ride to Phoenix and biking to Mesa today meant I now get to spend Christmas Eve and Christmas Day with my grandparents.  I'll be taking a break for the next two days and will be back on day 7 on the 26th.  Have a merry Christmas in the meantime.