Day 7 - North Rim, Grand Canyon National Park, to Fredonia, AZ

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Bryce, Zion & North Rim

Day 7 - North Rim, Grand Canyon National Park
to Fredonia, AZ

Trail
Dave and Jean pause
near some aspens.

Our group split into two factions today. Bob, Ken, and Duane (The Sleazy Riders) shipped their panniers to Fredonia by courier. Jean, Dave and I (The Real Cyclists) carried our panniers on our bikes.

Today's route brought us back along Day 4 and Day 5's routes. This time we had a net elevation loss of 4,100 feet. We rode down, down and down.

We noticed the a lot more color in the aspens.

Wildflower

As we rode, we watched our environment change from alpine forest to desert. We started the day in tall trees. Then short scrubby shrubs. And, finally scrub.

When we got to the desert, I found two American flags on the side of the road. I put one flag on my bike. I gave the other one to Dave. I've been seeing a lot of flags around. I really wanted to put one on my bike to show my support for my country and sympathy for the victims and their families.

When "The Real Cyclists" arrived in Fredonia, Duane got down on his knees and praised our cycling prowess.

We checked in a motel, as there is no camping near by. We showered and went out to supper. We also got our first real opportunity to see the images from Tuesday's tragic events. I also learned what I've been suspecting all week. Tuesday's events are the start of a very different kind of war.

Tom with his flag.

A dead cow lying in a ditch

Cyclists often notice things that people in cars never see. Unfortunately, not all of them are pretty. We spotted this dead cow lying in a ditch in the desert.

Continue to Day 8