Consistent with the elevation (6000 ft.) in Las Vegas, it was comparatively cool this morning at 43 degrees. We donned our cold weather gear which consisted of two jerseys, arm and leg warmers, full fingered liners for the riding gloves and a shower cap over the helmet to help contain the heat. Some of the other riders wore additional clothing.
Due to the length of today's ride, everybody started a little earlier than normal. "Normal" starting time is an evolving concept. The first couple of days of the tour, we all started riding at the same time in the morning. CrossRoads was "evaluating" the strength of all the riders during those days. Their goal is to have everybody arrive at the SAG stops within a reasonable time window. To make this all work, riders of varying ability (as determined by CrossRoads) would need to start at different times. Thus, there is a large group (14 of the 22 total riders) who start earlier so they will have extra time to get to the SAG stops. They have called themselves the "B" Team. The other group starts up to one hour later.
The route to Tucumcari is marked by the stark lack of people, stores, cellphone service and about every other sign of human presence. There was nothing for a 76 mile stretch. In other words, it's a wonderful road to ride. My riding buddy, Tom, and I did not see a single car, in either direction, for the first 6 miles of our ride. All the while we were enjoying the high country desert rimmed by didstant mountains. This was the kind of road that cyclists dream about.
Riding in New Mexico Dawn
Little House on the Prairie (I couldn't resist)
The terrain was major rolling with one milestone climb, appropriately dubbed "The Wall", that ran for .7 mile at 8% grade. Temperatures were approaching 90 by this time and we had long since shed our cold weather clothing.
Early in the ride, we passed the ceremonial 1000 mile point of the tour.
The scenery was rugged in some places and amenable to cattle ranching in others. Here'a a few shots:
Bottom Line: In terms of degree of difficulty, today was right up there with the desert crossing days. That said, it was still one of the better rides of the tour thus far.
Total Miles: 109 Total Vertical Climb: 4200 ft.
Just another 2415 miles to go! Keep smiling brother we'll see you in one month !!! love, Annie
ReplyDeleteagain, havent had internet for awhile and have missed your blog. after a thousand miles you dont look any worse for wear. big surprise! let me guess your in the A group. i still think the whole thing is just amazing. lori and I talk about it all the time and look forward to your postings. stay safe steve
ReplyDeleteI was getting anxious all weekend when I was without internet and blog updates, it was so nice to come home to all these great postings! Looks like you and mom have had a great weekend, I'm sure her's has been slightly more relaxing. I have to second Steve's comment about the A group, but I wouldn't doubt it if you picked up an extra hour of riding just for the extra challenge :) On that note, congrats on the 1000 mile mark, couldn't be more proud of you and can't wait to see you in Boston!
ReplyDeleteAlso, I was rockin out to The Eagles on my drive downstate this weekend and thought of you, standin on a corner in Winslow, Arizona, such a fine sight to see :) Take it easy daddy-o!
ReplyDeleteSo proud of you as you have made the THOUSAND MILE MARK!!!!!!! Awesome,Mike. Love the pictures, glad you are in the A group,I knew you would be, probably at the head of the pack too. Love,Beth
ReplyDeleteMike!
ReplyDeleteI can't believe you are already in your 3rd week of riding and past the 1,000 mile mark. Way to go! This is definitely an accomplishment of a life time. Michelle and I are both very proud of you and we enjoy all the pictures and updates. I hope that westerly wind continues to help you along your way. Best wishes
The Manns