Day 8

Vail, AZ to Willcox, AZ - 69 miles

4,000+ feet of elevation climb throughout the day

An overall very tough day.  Though, the day had two distinct personalities.  I will tell of it in two parts.

Part 1: First 52 miles.

A total ass-kicking.  

Started off in a brutal headwind to the tune of no less than 15 mph.  The wind forecast, as well as the current conditions on the weather app, were in no way, shape, or form, accurate to the actual conditions.  The constant slap in the face made me struggle for each mile.  And it was all uphill.  I had actually overlooked how much climbing there would be today.  

Early on in the trip, I had considered heading south near Benson to go to Tombstone, Bisbee, and close to the border again.  That route involves roads with poor or no shoulder, so I scrapped that idea and decided to stay on I-10 heading east.

It was about 2,000 feet of climbing until right before Benson before diving about 600 feet into town.  From then on, it was another long slog up hills and around bends until Texas Summit at just over 5,000 feet of elevation.

I stopped at the rest area at Texas Summit.  Ate a few snacks and was the subject of many looks - though nobody even said hi.  It is quite awkward actually.  Maybe they thought I was The Thing that billboards for the last 50 miles had been preparing them for at the travel center up ahead.  Who knows.

Part 2: Last 17 miles.

Sunshine, flat ground, and a pleasant ride.

This part went quickly and without incident.  I was able to get a glimpse of the Willcox Playa, a unique, little-known desert area, before ending the strenuous day.