The ride started off from San Diego (sea level), then climbed through mountains before dropping down into desert and on to El Centro California. The next three days crossed the desert and were planned with 100+ miles distances that included plenty of ice and support.

The days climbing the mountains of Arizona offered some of the best scenery and challenging riding of the tour. The climbs up Yarnell Hill and Mingus Mountain were both memorable accomplishments. We saw plenty of local history as we crossed New Mexico and on to old sections of Route 66 in Texas and Oklahoma.

One of the most challenging parts of the ride was 20 miles of 13% grades over the Talimena National Scenic Byway in Eastern Oklahoma/Western Arkansas. A highlight of this part of the ride was our stay at the upscale resort hotel, the Queen Wilhelmina Lodge in Arkansas.  

We went on to ride through Mississippi, Alabama, and finally Georgia. Each day offered new and different terrain as we crossed the country.  Our final destination of Tybee Island Georgia was reached after riding through historic Savannah. This  tour, riding from coast to coast, was definitely the highlight of my cycling season! Much more detail on the ride is available in the blog and photo section of this website.