Climbing Kitt Peak Prior to the Feast

Sooooo, I've been surprised that I am bettering my times on practically every climb this month compared to spring efforts so while I usually hike a bunch and cycle little in the fall visits, let's drive to the base of Kitt Peak and try that climb!!!!  Thanksgiving morning and the gate is closed...bummer but the other side is open so I begin.

12.5 miles, averaging around 6% and finally, I am closing in.  Actually, all these pics were taken on the descent cause on the ascent, I was working too hard to take images!

No cars passed me on the way up and 2 going down while I was going up. For the heck of it I weaved across the road sometimes.  I set a new personal best time and after checking Strava, finished 3 seconds behind Chris Carmichael, the cycling coach...I should have sprinted at the end or brought out my beloved "bh" bike. Yeah, that would have secured me at least 3 seconds.

I sometimes get a little emotional at these peaks, be it from hiking or riding.  If I could bring all of you to share this, I would,,ok a couple of you more then the others.

Geesh. Descending with all the sights.....

       

....and more sights and then....

...how bout that???  I did not expect to see another cyclist but a man and woman were churning up and a but later, I saw a guy on a road bike.  I gave him a thumbs up, he returned the gesture, we smiled at each other and probably had a similar though; late November, Thanksgiving day, riding in shorts and jersey, up a great climb, sunny, light wind, temp in the 80's, it is good to be alive and in AZ.  OK, Hawaii or CA would be ok too.