Down

This was one of the most amazing and pleasurable parts of the trip so far. After I left the canyon, the road went downhill. For miles, and miles, and miles. There were lightning storms to the north, and more to the south, but I was headed due east. I sat on the bike, on this empty road, and traveled between 30 and 40 miles an hour for... well, enough time to adjust and then enjoy. Descents are usually over before you can start to enjoy them. Not this one. (Update: new top speed, 47.2 mph.)
At the bottom, Route 12 turned directly north for twelve miles, but with the wind still generally at my back it was another easy leg.