March 25 Superior to Safford NM 100 miles*

Today we leave Superior and are heading toward Safford with the hope of finding a place to camp at mile 75. Our first goal is to get through the Queen's tunnel without mishap. It is a 3 lane, lighted tunnel but it gets a lot of traffic and so we are cautious as we approach.

Barb & Paul outside the exit of Queen's tunnel - safe & sound!

Later in the day Barb broke a spoke and so at mile 75 we realized that we needed to get to the bike store in Safford before it closed so we hopped in the van with Dale and headed into town for the last 25 miles. Barb's spoke was fixed and we were ready for the next day's ride!

March 24 Tempe to Superior 55 miles

We are up and out by 7:30 this morning. Dale is riding first and I will switch with him after about 25 miles.

Making the rider switch...

The Phoenix/Tempe burbs seem to go on forever!

Superstition Mountain - as I understand it when the Apache who were nomadic warriors were forced onto the reservation they were not allowed weapons to hunt on their new home land or go to Superstition Mountain, one of their sacred places. 

Another interesting place along the way...

Lesli on the road to Superior...

Entering Tonto National Forest

Lesli & Barbara in a sea of wildflowers.

Our campsite in Superior had a view of the creek, a nice shady tree and an incredible sunset!

Superior is a dying copper mining town - there is a British company that wants to open the copper mine again by doing a land swap, but the local indian tribe says the property is sacred ground and is unwilling to allow the deal, so far.