Smile, It's Halloween!

 

Colorado River valley

This is the last hill on the "short" MS-150 tour, and it's just no fun. This view doesn't show the steepest part, and the climb continues for another quarter mile or so from here. The good point is that there's one last fun downhill on the other side. 

Climbing the sand hills

Closing in on Parker the road goes through a few miles of ancient dunes. 

Bouse Rest Stop

Medical tent, food and beverages, bike repair, people who will hold your bikes while you hit the port-a-potties... Bunch of nice people! 

Sunrise, Centennial Park

Another beautiful day in Arizona. 

End of the trail

The first day's ride ended with all sturdy mounts corraled, and some of them strung up as a warning to the rest... 

And we'r off!

Heading out on AZ-74 toward Wickenburg. 

MS-150 start, Lake Pleasant

Wind's kind of catching that arch!

Balloons, meet ocotillo.

Ocotillo, meet balloons.

Sunrise, Lake Pleasant

 

Down the wall

I like the subtle colors... 

Climbing out of the canyon

I think this is the third time I've taken this shot. It's the top end of Oak Creek Canyon. I keep trying to capture how twisty the road is. 

Bell Rock

This is one of Sedona's most famous formations. The sky was cloudless and the view was as clear and sharp as we've seen it. 

Barrel cacti

They look golden from a distance. 

Hummer in flight

Beautiful bird. 

Mariposa Monarca

The Desert Botanical Garden butterfly house is filled with Monarchs.