Frank’s Coast to Coast Ride for Justin – Day 12, May 8
Editors note: the following is shared from Frank Watson’s blog at: Frank’s Coast to Coast Ride for Justin
KAYENATA, AZ – Today’s much anticipated ride from Kayenta Az started off a little rough to say the least.
As I departed into a cold rain that soon turned into a sleet storm. My bike comp now showed 37 degrees. I was wearing every piece of cloths I had with shopping bags wraped around my gloved hands and duct tape wraped shoes. But within 3 miles my feet were soaked and the large sleet rattled off my helmet. I considered turning back as there is NO shelter to be found anywhere. I pressed on and about 8 miles down the road the rain and sleet let up. I road 45 miles without stopping for fear the rain would catch back up with me.
Stopping at a small diner I went in and removed my soaked shoes and stuffed them with newspaper in an effort to dry them out. My feet were frozen and I spent an hour trying to warm them up. I left and made it to Teec Ne Poss Trading Post at 75 mile mark & took a snack break. From there I made it through the 4 corners and into Colorado at 1:30 p.m.! This was huge as I was now out of the state of Arizona that had been a real tough customer. The temp swung from 45 to 80 degrees in minutes causing frequent stops to either put jackets on or take them off.
I took a break at the Tomac truck stop and casino then made the final climb into Cortez.
The difference between Az & Co happens very quickly as in a matter of a few miles you crest a hill and go from a landscape that was probably used for the shooting of “Mad Max ” movies and the home of cousin Eddy in the “Family Vacation” (both favorites of mine) to green grass trees and the sound lawnmowers. With snow capped peaks in the distance this is a whole new world!
Colorado will no doubt be tough but I welcome it. I ended up with 121 miles today and feel great. I think that I am officially in “biking shape”. For the first time I am heading east and I actually welcome the Rockies. I don’t know what kind of mileage I will make in the next few days but will just take what the days give me.
Remember to say a prayer to Justin, & please take time to go to the bone marrow registry site & sign up! Deletebloodcancer.org
Follow this journey on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/frankscoast2coast4justin
And on Instagram at:
coast2coast4mayorkline
Donations may be made by visiting:
https://www.gofundme.com/rideforjustin
For more background information on this effort see our earlier story at: Canton Man Riding Coast-to-Coast for Justin Kline
