After Globe, the day becomes longer and more open. The route follows US 70 southeast and leaves the copper town without many alternatives. At first there are still hills and cuts close to the road, then the stage runs through the San Carlos Apache Reservation. Peridot, Bylas, the San Carlos River and later the line of the Gila River structure the ride: long straights, little shade, scattered settlements and wide gaps between services. The profile looks moderate on paper, but the 112 kilometres define the day. After Fort Thomas the valley opens, fields appear, and the Pinaleño Mountains with Mount Graham stand on the horizon. Via Pima and Thatcher, the stage rolls into Safford, in the middle of the Gila Valley.
