For a wonder ride, head for Arizona’s Grand Canyon. This is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, and rightly so, I would say.

When my brother and I visited the Grand Canyon, I found that I could stare and Stare and STARE at it, until my eyeballs ached. As soon as I looked away, I felt compelled to look back at it; as though to be sure I hadn’t been imagining it!

We had a great time there. We watched the sun rising over the North Rim, an unforgettable sight. It meant getting up very early in the morning, which was very generous of my brother. He’s not the early bird sort. But it was well worth it!

Starting at Mather Point, we walked down to Indian Gardens on the Bright Angel Trail; and had a picnic lunch before heading back up. We saw various kinds of lizards; birds; and even glimpsed a gray fox!

At the time, I was many years away from taking up cycling. If I went there again, I might enjoy a cycling tour. It would be hard, though, for me to watch where I was riding for wanting to stare at that magnificent abyss.

The Grand Canyon is a desert environment, so take along a good hydration system. The South Rim is something like 7000 feet up, meaning that sunblock is even more important than it is at lower altitudes.

Oh, and don’t forget the camera! You’re sure to want to take a LOT of pictures!