Pactour Elite Southern Transcontinental: Day 3

Day 3:	Gila Bend AZ to Globe AZ
Mileage/Ride Time:	143 miles 8:52	Time Lv/Arr:	6:00am/4:18pm
Climbing:	6000ft	Avg Speed/Work:	16.0mph/3784 kJ

I was nervous and a bit uncertain after a very tough day yesterday.

Only got 5 hours of sleep last night. I was wondering how my legs might respond given that there was significant climbing today.

Fortunately, the first 80 miles to the lunch stop was basically flat largely without headwind. I participated in several pacelines, making the job easier. After lunch, the climbing begins through Superior onto Gila, then down to Globe. I climbed solo. I find it's always better that way when the grade gets as steep as it did today.

Profile is here:

Route 60 was scary in places. High speed truck traffic plus a 800 ft uphill tunnel (shown below) with cars passing at > 60 mph.

There was a water stop just beyond the tunnel. I really needed it. I drank 48 fl oz in 18 miles.
Up against the rocks for almost no shade:

Overall I had a pretty good day considering. No punctures (unlike the 4-puncture nightmare of yesterday). Legs weren't completely toast.
Onto I-8 early in the morning, it seemed like someone was stopping every few minutes with a puncture. Tomorrow is a big climbing day: 11,000 ft and the Salt River Canyon.

Course (MapSource and Google Earth):