Today was a perfect spring day for cruising through the Pecos Wilderness. The sky was clear, temps cool, and winds light. We had to do about 5000' of climbing, and crested our highest point of the tour, Glorieta Pass at 7500'. We only had 5 miles of I-25 riding, which was easy on Sunday morning. We are now finished with Interstate Highway biking after a reported 300 miles of it!I ran with the leaders for the first 20 miles and felt great. However, riding fast doesn't give you much opportunity to visit or sight see. Outside of Pecos I had flat number 4. After that I backed off and cruised with several friends. We had an unusual SAG stop at a country bar that was open Sunday morning and had a dirt floor.
The last 30 miles I rode with Ian, and we watched the clear sky turn cloudy and then black. We decided to race in to Las Vegas and try and beat the thunderstorm...we were close, but didn't make it. First we took refuge at a couple of farm homes four miles outside of town. Thank goodness the Rottweilers were friendly. The rain let up after 15 minutes and we were off again, but two miles out it started pouring again and we took refuge in a country church. A kind lady took us in and after visiting for 15 minutes, she said she would pray for our successful journey, and we were off again. A mile out of town we got caught in another downpour and took refuge under an overpass, with three local bikers and we got to visit. After that, Ian and I sought out a restaurant, where we waited out the remainder of the showers over a bowl of hot green chili.
Tomorrow is the second longest ride, 108 miles over remote country roads, to Tucumcari.
Stats: 75 miles, 16 mph avg, 5000' climbing, light winds, temps 55 - 70 deg.
1 comment:
You are so incredible. I am a fair weather person. Your drive and determination are amazing!
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