Something big.....my birthday treat!

This weekend, Saturday, October 15th to be exact, I was able to accomplish a major personal challenge.  This is an event that some call "Hole-to-Hump", which basically involves linking the deepest canyon in Arizona (Grand Canyon), and the tallest mountain in Arizona (Humphreys Peak) together for a very long day.  There are many manifestations of how to do this, but here is mine:  start in the early morning with a hike on Humphreys Peak, then ride my bike from the Humphreys trailhead to the Grand Canyon, then hike the South Kaibab trail in the canyon to the river and back, all in one day.
The journey started around 3:30am in Phoenix.  All of the people involved in the event started our drive up to Flagstaff.  We arrived at the Humpheys trailhead and began our hike at 6am.  Myself, my sister, and my friend James all participated in the hike.  The hike is 9 miles round trip, with 3,600 feet of elevation gain.  By 10:45 we had reached the summit and made it safely back to the car.  It took me about 45 minutes to change and "gear-up" for the bike.  My wife, sister, and son hopped in the car with the plan to meet me at the half-way point for a safety check.  Then, I headed off on my solo bike journey.
About 70 miles, 2 flat tires, and a few meetings with my "support crew" later, I arrived at our hotel at the Grand Canyon.  I started the ride around 11:30am, and finished around 4:00pm.  The ride was long, but my speed averaged around 18.5 miles per hour.  After arriving, I changed again, refueled myself and got ready for the third, and final, leg of the journey.
My wife dropped me and my sister at the South Kaibab trailhead, and we began our hike around 6pm.  The hike is 13 miles round trip, with 4,500 feet of elevation gain.  We only had about 30 minutes of day-light, and the rest of the hike was by headlamp.  As always, it was tough going, and the Canyon was relentless.  But 5 short hours later, at 11pm, we emerged from the Canyon victorious.  Lacie picked us up, then it was back to the hotel for showers and sleep.
The mission is accomplished.  My version of "Hole-to-Hump" is over.  It was a great adventure, and another great entry in my proud book of accomplishments.  It was only possible with the help and support of my wonderful wife, and my talented sister.  I owe them both so much.  Now, what's next?.....