The road to nowhere

Lunch on a guardrail

Are we there yet?

Leads to Lordsburg.
Today was climbing a series of gradual grades, sun, winds both tail and cross.
For miles, looking up: blue sky. Looking out, a sea of scrub and agave. looking down, asphalt.
When I closed my eyes to take an on bike "nap" I still saw asphalt.
Stats include 72 riding miles, 1800 feet of climbing and 12 water bottles. Thanks Rick and Lisa for the collapsible ones. Much appreciated.
Only one snack stop available between Safford and Lordsburg in beautiful downtown Duncan. Much as in other towns along US 70, billed as the Old West Highway, we saw some sadly neglected authentic cowboy architecture, abandoned 50's and 60's era concrete block buildings and basic, but operating, mini marts.
When we arrived in Lordsburg, much of the same, but discovered great eating at a place called Mexican Restaurant facing the railroad tracks. I am learning to love authentic, mouth warming South of the Border cuisines. No more Taco Bell.
We discovered I-10 was nearby and found some luxe lodging at a Comfort Inn. When we rolled up to the entrance, two men in Lycra were entering too. I called out, "Wow, two men in bike shorts," and they turned around, surprised to see two psychos on a white tandem.
They're headed east to west, but we'll be verbally cycling with them tonight. They had already found the local beer outlet and were looking forward to a few cold ones.
Tomorrow is a choice of 113 miles or breaking it up into two days. If it's more chip 'n seal asphalt, we'll probably go for the "easy" plan.