AZT in a Day 2019

It has been a while since I posted here, life gets in the way!  This by no means is my first AZT adventure since completing the trail in 2014, but I thought it would be a good occasion to share. 

Starting my ride, early and happy!

I've been wanting to ride my mountain bike across the Pinal County segments of the trail for some time.  Some friends and I did the Picketpost to Gila ride several year ago.  So I signed up for AZT in at day with the thought of doing 60 miles, from Oracle to the Gila River.  I knew that this was going to be a really tough challenge, so I built in an out at the half way point, Freeman Road.  Good thing to, because by the time I got there I was done for the day. 

It turned out to be a 5 hour ride, instead of the 4  hours I planned.  While I had plenty of day left for the remaining 30 miles, my mind and body made the smart decision to stop at the halfway point.  I'll tackle the next 30 miles on another trip. 

It was fun, it was hard and like all my AZT hikes and ride it was stunningly beautiful!! 

Antelope Peak, my destination.  This teased me all day long.  

My good friends Lillian and Dain were there to provide logistical help, they moved my truck from Oracle to Freeman Road, yea.  They got to do a hike on the AZT while waiting for me, although longer than what they planned since I was a bit slower than anticipated. 

The AZT in a Day event is pretty cool, get the entire trail completed in one day, lots of folks out enjoying this tremendous resource.  And while I was able to raise a little money for the Arizona Trail Association, the reasons for my ride were a bit more personal. 

Stunning views looking south from the AZT

Our family has had a rough year, our middle child Erin passed away in May.  Her loss was truly unexpected and has been difficult and challenging to deal with.  And while we continue to struggle with her passing, we also are focused on her two children.  Lyanne is 9 and has been living with Victoria and I for some time now.  Lyanne misses her mom, and Victoria and I (and the rest of our wonderful family)  are doing our best to help her through this very trying and emotional time.  Jax is almost 2 now, and for the time being is also living with us.   

So, as you can imagine (or maybe not), the past few months have been a blur.  So when I signed up to do this ride, I had another motive, providing me some time to think, to talk with Erin (I usually talk to myself, this was much better), to remember all the good things about her.  I truly miss her, but I really felt her on this ride (thanks for the tailwind, I needed every bit of it). 

I'm hopeful that I will be able to continue to share my love of the AZT with Lyanne and Jax.  I know that during these future adventures, Erin will be there with us, encouraging us and maybe providing that much needed tailwind.  I love you Erin, I miss you, Love Dad.