Friday's ride was truly gorgeous. The first 40 miles were steadily uphill to Emory Pass at 8228 feet. As we gained altitude the scrubby desert terrain was replaced by evergreen forest and craggy rock outcroppings. Beautiful views seemed to appear around every corner. The only disappointment was that about a mile short of the summit I ran out of air and had to get in the SAG. I know it was altitude but didn't want to take the chance of pushing my compromised heart past it's limits. I am just so happy to be doing this at all and take delight in every mile I ride. Our accommodations last night were at a place called the Black Range Lodge....a unique former bordello transformed into a bed and breakfast. Every room was different and there were large sitting areas and porches where we could hang out. The best part was that my bed had a down puff on it, much like my bed at home. Very cozy.
Today we rode to Las Crusas, our last stop in New Mexico. We started with a nice descent and then continued on flat and rolling terrain. The biggest challenges of the day were the wind and the distance. It was an 87 mile ride and we encountered some strong gusty winds which for most of the ride were either head winds or cross winds. At about the 65 mile point the woman I was riding with decided she had run out of steam and I willing waited with her for the SAG. It was hard riding as the cross winds were constantly moving the bikes around on the road. When I started this tour I had hoped to ride every mile, but now I am determined to ride a good ride every day regardless of how many miles it is. It's hard to get up in the morning feeling trashed and feel happy setting out. I want to love my time on my bike! I suspect that I will be completing the ride on the majority of days.
I haven't written a lot about the women on this tour but they are truly an amazing group. We have gotten a rhythm going on the rides. Some are regularly at the front of the pack. Some of us ride toward the middle or the back. Some like to ride in pairs or groups and some of us are lone riders. But whatever our preference or place in the line up everyone is truly supportive and helpful, and in the evening when we gather for a beer or wine and dinner the conversation is always interesting. We also have a wonderful tour leader and a talented cook who feeds us exceptionally well. Tonight we had salmon with a raspberry - chipotle sauce cooked over charcoal, a pasta salad with pesto and a fabulous spinach salad with walnuts and raspberries. There was also a dessert (though I rarely eat dessert). Although this sounds a bit bizarre we eat dinner in the parking lot of the motel (unless the weather is bad). We set up a circle of plastic chairs and the meal is served buffet style. Our cook's kitchen is the back half of the trailer that carries our luggage and supplies. It's a wonderful part of our day and I am sure motel parking lots will never look the same to me again!
Tomorrow off to El Paso. Hopefully the winds will be kind!
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