May 11, 2025
Pinos Altos - Lake Roberts - Black Canyon Camp
A nice chilly downhill took me into Gila National Forest and on to Cherry Creek Camp where Karo had spent the night. The pavement continued downhill and on to Lake Roberts where we expected to find a convenience store but were somewhat disappointed by the offerings so bought a "coffee" and ate our snacks on their deck.
Soon after leaving Lake Roberts the gravel grind to Black Canyon Camp began. This was the only site with water available, from a stream, that we thought we could comfortably make by dark - just 52k for the afternoon.
Heat, altitude, deep gravel washboarded the full road width = 6 hours of misery! It was a long, slow grovel, with frequent stops in shade patches to eat and drink. I didn't seem able to keep my heart rate down and seemed to be working very hard for such slow progress.
I felt happy enough, just no energy and dizzy if I pushed too hard. Eventually I arrived into Black Canyon after a magnificent downhill in the almost dark evening. Karo helped me pitch my tent, I "cooked" more mashed potatoe and tuna, and crawled into the bag.
A hard won 85k and 1488m ascent. Ave speed: a miserable 6.6 kmph.
Today's ride: 85 km (53 miles)
Total: 334 km (207 miles)
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