We left Cedar City at sunrise, wheels rolling by 6:00 a.m. ready for 95 miles and more than 7,500 feet of climbing.
Out the door we started a gradual 22-mile climb up Cedar Canyon Road (Highway 14) where we caught glimpses of Zion National Park in the distance, left onto Cedar Breaks Road (Highway 148) and continued climbing to 10,500 feet. The views of red cliffs, canyon, alpine meadows, wildflowers, and pines made the effort worthwhile.
Then came the reward: 10 miles of smooth fresh asphalt, fast downhill riding, with speeds topping 50 mph. Only stopping to let the cows get out of the way.
Lunch in Panguitch at the Smokehouse was perfectly timed. We saw huge columns of smoke rising to the north from a wildfire near Salt Lake City, some say 300 miles away.
The afternoon brought more climbing along Scenic Highway 12 and a short stretch on the Red Canyon Bicycle Trail, but the rough trail sent us back to the highway. Downhill sector included an 8% descent. TJ led the way, hitting 56 mph. We passed thru Bryce Canyon with incredible views all around.
We stopped in Tropic for groceries before heading to our Airbnb trailer in Henrieville. Dinner planned is Todd's famous pasta with Italian sausage, baguettes, salad, and pumpkin chocolate chip cookies. Tired but happy, we ended another unforgettable day in southern Utah.
