Leg 3 - Cleveland National Forest to Tucson, AZ

I spent one night at the campground and left at 6:40 am. I made a cup of hot tea while packing up the camping gear and loading the bike. The night was chilly as it was 6000 feet. I left the rain fly off of the tent and had a nice view of the stars through the tent ceiling. The camp gear I had purchased for the trip performed well. I did have to put on some sweats in order to be comfortable in the sleeping bag.

I made it through the strong wind section without incident. Using the calm of the morning helped, but I can see where it would have been a lot worse had the winds been strong. I 8 travels through some rock canyons and the winds whip around from all directions.

You know you are in an area of heavy winds when you are riding through the middle of wind turbine farms with the blades spinning.

I 8 is a very boring highway. It is straight as an arrow for miles and miles. I knew this part of trip was going to be a grind and it lived up to my expectations.

I had planned on camping at Saquaro National Park just outside of Tucson but there was no camping in the park. The Ranger Station directed me to a local county campground. I checked it out, but the campsite was completely empty and with good reason. It was in the middle of the desert with nothing but cactus and rocks. I decided to take a pass.

I checked into a Motel 6 and took a much needed shower. Wow, it's the simple things that feed the spirit.

I ate at a great Mexican restaurant that had been in south Tucson since 1936. The chile relleno stuffed with shrimp was absolutely outstanding. Must say Mexican food is pretty good in Tucson.

Overall, 412 miles and 9 1/2 hours with the detour taken looking for a campground.