Arizona...2 states to go

Hello folks,
Hoping to get a little writing done while sitting at the afternoon water stop waiting for the team. ( they are 5 miles out) we are at the side of the road on top of a hill so I actually have 4 bars and 3G. We left New Mexico for Arizona today. The Whitewater Lodge was a homey little place in Glenwood, NM.
Videos from yesterday:

We were greeted by critters, motorcycle travelers and a wonderful home cooked breakfast at The Golden Girl Cafe.

Our pony riders continue to keep up their tech skills after a hard day on tour.

The riders started at 7:30 again this morning after breakfast in our rooms. What a beautiful day and the scenery was spectacular . We rode out of the mountains and into the desert today. Temps here soared to 88 and the riders were back in shorts and shirt sleeves.

Here is the view of one of the declines as we rode through sections of both the Apache and Gila National Forests.

Evelyn and I met up with the team right at the Arizona border...perfect timing.

After another few miles we had lunch at a little three way cafe, and I use that term lightly. Sandwiches and a few chips and cookies still seem to satisfy the riders.

The curves kept coming and of course every rider's joy- the cattleguards in the middle of the road!

We watched the GPS to see what was ahead for the riders. Look at that orange line!

There were plenty of climbs and descents.

We saw some cactus on the roadside and also came upon a father and two sons. The 13 year old had just shot his first deer. He couldn't stop smiling.

Evelyn wanted me to put the deer pic up and tell you that this SAG team hunts down the supper before preparing our evening meal.. She has been such a joy to have along and I am ever so grateful to get to know her better.

The riders have stopped for their last water break and will finish the last 19 miles to the hotel. Ev and I are headed to the hotel, a Best Western, to check out laundry and pizza, IC, and Dan's beer.

Back with the stats of the day in an hour.

We rode 84.7 miles at 11.9 mph. We were in saddle for 7 hours and 8 minutes. Our accomplishments for the day include crossing our sixth state, 7 category climbs- ( 3 CAT 3's, 3 CAT 4's and 1 CAT 5.) We made our most thrilling descent so far. We have less than 600 miles remaining which means we have already finished 2000 miles. The team needed this day after the hard days preceding this. The climbs, descents and lack of gusting winds was refreshing. I think everyone came back today feeling jazzed.

I am including a few videos showing the rides today.

Goodnight to all from Pacific time, we are now three hours ahead of most of you.
Brenda and the Pony Riders