Thank you to Mrs. Tammie and Mrs. Dennie Kay's class for cheering me on. I am so proud of you. When I get back, I will come to your class and tell you all about my trip. You can send me a message at the end of these pictures. Seage, you and your class are so special to cheer your Aunt Nancy on and wear that shirt.
Where is Miss Nancy?
After leaving Lordsburg around 7:00 AM, we had a long steady climb for at least 15 miles. It was so gradual that I wondered if the higher elevation or lack of energy was causing me problems. I just couldn't seem to pedal faster than 8-10 mph. At the first SAG we looked back and realized how much we had climbed. It was really apparent at mile 25 when we crossed the Continental Divide at an elevation of 6355 feet.
Once over the divide, what a sail down the other side!. But alas, there were more hills to come. In all we climbed 3716 on this day. I logged 46 miles with a speed of 9.65 mph, whew! We passed a huge copper mine just before Silver City.
We were all glad to see this town (boyhood home of Billy the Kid), because it meant a day of rest after eight straight days of cycling!
This is a time for laundry, writing post cards, restocking at Walmart, Walgreens, or whatever, and just sleeping in. After breakfast on our day off, we had a yoga class taught by one of the tour leaders. I wandered into the town with a few friends, did a little sightseeing, and enjoyed a great Mexican lunch (no Margurita this time). Bill sent me a package with a recording device that I can take on my bike and record interesting sights for my journal. (It is hard to remember everything you see, especially at 62!) Now if I can just figure out how to use it. He also included the little puppy that usually sits on my bike when I ride. I missed him (Well, the puppy and Bill) Tomorrow we are off toward the highest peak on the trip (over 8000'), then down the other side to a "quaint" little lodge in Kingston, NM. Forecast is for thunderstorms. There is very little chance of internet service so my next post may be in Las Cruces
We took a detour from the Adventure Cycling route today, for those of you trying to follow it on the AC maps. Tomorrow our destination is Silver City (for two days!). But, it would have been 100+ miles over mountains and no place to stay on the route, so the Womantours created this alternate route. While the terrain was relatively flat, it was a hard day for almost everyone, despite the fact that it looks like we are having fun at one of our stops. I'm the one on the left without the helmet. We have to do something to keep our spirits up!
Since we eat breakfast around 6:00 AM each day, it is traditional (and necessary) to have a second breakfast later in the morning. I enjoyed a huge plate of French toast at Ol Jo's Cafe in Duncan, AZ, about the size of Cobbtown, GA.
At about mile 45 we crossed into New Mexico. Now we have been in three states. (insert photo) Then the real challenge of the day began. The wind began blowing ferociously from the side and one of my cycling friends had a flat. We survived both to arrive in Lordsburg around 4:00 PM (the time changed when we crossed the state line). Whew! Tomorrow we will arrive in Silver City with a layover day after 8 straight days of cycling. I look forward to sleeping in.
What a difference a day makes! After a great night's sleep and much cooler temperatures (in the 50's when we started at 6:30 AM) I was ready to tackle the 80 miles that lay ahead. The first 15 miles were fantastic, slight downhill and wide shoulder. At mile 6 we entered the San Carlos Apache Reservation. After much discussion, we decided to pass on the casino. The reservation was so desolate and depressing. After seeing a local high school in session, it is understandable why so many of these kids drop out of school. For about 35 miles we had "rollers", fun little up and down hills that break up the flat land, but don't make you work too hard. This is a scene from the road to Pima, see the snow on the mountains. If you hover over the picture, you can see a description.
After 73 miles on a bicycle seat, there is just no way to sit on that tiny seat that is comfortable. So we sought respite at the local "Taylor's Freeze" in Pima, AZ. Like a step back in time, we enjoyed burgers, fries, and root beer floats in a place that has operated for 40 years under the same family ownership. After the goodies, we were good to go on to Safford. It was a very good ride. I hardly felt tired at the end of the day. But, we did spend time in the hot tub to soothe the aching muscles. So far, we have ridden a total of 615 miles.
One of the outstanding experiences of this trip is to witness the support each woman gives to the other. Early this day, two of us came upon Outrun, the 70-year-old German lady who now lives in the US. She had left her backpack at the last SAG and was shaking with cold and crying. As we waited for the SAG to arrive, Robin put her arms around her to share her warmth. Things turned out okay and Outrun was back on the road after sagging for about 25 miles. As you can see from the picture, she was okay later in the day.
At the end of the day, the first riders to arrive unload the trailer. Most of us brought too much stuff, especially when we have second floor room in the hotel. I plan to send lots of my clothes home when Bill meets me in Navasota, TX. It is amazing to find out what you REALLY need to survive.
Nancy's Travel Journal 