Today we rode from Sierra Vista to Thombstone. The weather was similar to yesterday, blue skies and winds from the south. Road surfaces were plenty today, a mixture of paved roads, good and bad gravel roads, single track, loose sand, and rolling hills.

Riding statistics: on Friday, May 10, 2024, day 10 on the route, it took 08:15h (05:30h moving time), between 07:50 and 16:05, to cover 89 km (55 miles), including 622 m (2041 ft) elevation gain, with an average speed of 16 km/h (10 mph), while reaching a maximum speed of 56 km/h (35 mph). During this ride the average temperature was 32 °C (90 °F) with a minimum of 19 °C (66 °F) and a maximum of 40 °C (104 °F).

Totals: So far, it took 0 days, 17 hours, 6 minutes, and 5 seconds of cycling time to cover 302 km (188 miles), including 1959 m (6427 ft) elevation gain, with an average speed of 18.0 km/h (11.2 mph).

We got out of bed around 6.15am. This way we could prepare the bikes and ourselves, have breakfast at 7 and leave by 7.30. Due to breakfast being opened late, we left around 8. For the first 10km we had a paved road we morning traffic. After we turned of the road and had some off-road sections. Unfortunately the route for this section was not correct anymore. We had some detours. 5km later we were back on the main road which we followed for 10km. The. We should have taken a side dirt road towards the border, which was another couple of kms. Unfortunately, the road was closed of by a big fence and a brand-new chain and lock. There were also no alternatives. Bummer. At least we saw the border from a distance with that fantastic wall, hmmm.

So, a northern direction it is. From here onwards we are on the offical Western Wildlands Route! Already after a few kilometer we went off-road. A trail along the San Pedro River. Which is dry, we have seen water in one small part. Only during, and after, summer monsoon there will be water flowing. It was a nice singletrack not far from the river bed. Although there is no water at the moment, the area is quite green. After 12km singletrack hanged into a gravel path, including big stones and loose sand. On some sections we good keep good progress, on others not so much. It was during this trail that we passed some good resting areas. Shaded and with table/benches.

About 18km before Thombstone we got back k onto asphalt. However, it was really hot above the asphalt and it were rolling hills. Something my legs did not like that much anymore. Eventually we are at Thombstone before 3. That gave us some time to spent into the small town. Western attractions all over the place. After an ice-cream and cold drinks, we went to the Stampede RV Park. They have also tent sites. And includes showers. Very welkom after the long, and very dusty day. After setting up the tents, a shower, and recharge phone and bike computer, we went back to main street for dinner.

Gallery