Day 27 ............... more of the same

The full moon was bright as we woke this morning to get ready to ride yet another day. Two more days until a day of rest on Friday the 2nd of April. We were treated to yet another day of Texas chip seal and ranches, goats, sheep, and a few mountains in the distance. I shudder to think what that means. Our ride today from Brackettville to Camp Wood, TX was really just more of the same, more of the same. The joints are now really aching from all the vibrating from the road. It's just hard to explain. It's like being in a milkshake making machine. It's even hard to read the road signs because your head just can't stop from vibrating.

We reached the bustling metropolis of Camp Wood, population 800 in time for a relaxing lunch in the Sister's cafe. I had a really good hamburger, the first since we headed out on this journey, a trip to the post office to mail some winter clothes back home to lighten the suitcase, then checking email and getting back "on line" made the afternoon complete.

Tomorrow's ride is 39 miles. I think I know what that means. It appears as though for the next 5-6 days the Internet access will be quite limited so ..... no blog updates.

Day 26 ........... Texas Chip Seal (SIT)*

So, I recovered from riding 111 miles, had a great night in Del Rio TX at the Lake View Inn, indeed with a view of a beautiful reservoir in a canyon. This morning we started out for an easy day of 43 miles. Really, now how difficult could that be? no climbing to speak of just a straight shot on State Route 90 to Bracketville TX and the Fort Clark Springs motel.

As it turned out it could be quite difficult on Texas chip seal. I've decided that this is one of those things that you just never consider, just as I never anticipated that it would be freezing and snowing on our trip.....The road surface was so tough we just bounced and vibrated for 43 miles. As my riding buddy for the day said "I feel like a bobble head doll with a broken spring". That pretty much sums it up. The wind was not in our favor. The scenery was, well, West Texas, pretty unremarkable. We did see some goat farms and lots of ranches.....

The high point of the day for me was being in the lead pack and beating the van and trailer to our place of rest for the night. I'll confess it's not as terrific as it seems, it's just that everyone else went shopping since Del Rio was the first town in miles....there was a Walmart and a Ross! But, since I had no need to shop, I just kept riding, and arrived at the lovely Fort Clark Springs Motel, on an old Army Installation built in the late 1800's. We were treated to a huge pool fed by natural springs, the day was warm and we were able to just sit and relax. Since we had no Internet service there was nothing else to do; like update Blogs etc......

On to Camp Wood, TX

*Still in Texas

Day 23 ......... 111 miles

111 Miles today, my first century. Still in Texas, uneventful. Very tired.

Sung in bed, hoping tomorrow is a shorter ride.

Day 22 ......... wheeeeeeeee! (SIT)*

The wind truly was a friend today......... tail winds made a good ride (54 miles) a fast ride. We got into the motel in Sanderson just a few minutes after 12:00 noon. So what a great day to really just hang out relax, laundry and other necessary tasks for life on the road. But now, I'm curled up in bed, watching TV and snacking on popcorn.

I'm nervously wondering about tomorrow; 111 miles. I've never ridden that far before. On the one hand, I'm nervous and trying not to stress out, on the other hand I'm thinking I'll just pedal as I normally do and go as far as I can, and then when I'm done I'm done, and I'll hop in the SAG.

I'll admit, I'm a little tired of West Texas scenery, this certainly is a big country and a really big state....we're here for another 2 weeks or more .... so I'll need to find other things than the scenery to keep me moving and motivated.

Thankful for the good weather....

*Still in Texas

Day 21 ......... wind friend and foe (SIT)

As we left the Davis Mountains State Park this morning, the sun was blazing in the blue sky and all seemed right with the world. Marathon, TX was only 60 miles away, what appeared to be an easy day.

The first 10 miles or so were ok, then the infamous Texas winds kicked in. I'm not a meteorologist, but based on the weather report this morning, I'm thinking that the gusts were 20 - 25 MPH. When the cross winds gusted, it was hard to keep the bike in a straight line. No other word describes it other than brutal. But winds are a funny thing. If you are going the same direction as the wind.....wow...

So the day was filled with contrasts. With a tail wind I was able to climb a 6% grade in the big ring at 14.5 mph ..... with a head wind I could barely hold 14 mph down a 5% grade. So, wind: friend and foe.

Our accommodations for the night are at the Gage Hotel in Marathon, TX. It's an old Railroad Hotel, beautifully restored....beautiful courtyards blooming flowers and a lovely pool. Just what the soul needs to refresh after 60 miles of riding, mostly against the wind.

As always, looking forward to tomorrow!

Day 20.........rest day (SIT)

Not much to say, rest day, still in Texas. Bike cleaning, coffee drinking, soaking up sun, and hanging with the girls. No cell phone service, no laundry facility, so not really much to do.

Tried my hand at some photos of the lovely Davis Mountains State Park, Indian Lodge. Highly recommend for a relaxing r&r time.

Looking forward to tomorrow, Marathon, TX, hoping the winds cooperate.

Day 19 ...... SIT (Stil in Texas)

I know that I have said before that we started riding at the "crack of dawn" but this morning, we really did, honestly, the sun was just peaking over the horizon and glaring on us making it difficult to see the road. The road, was Interstate 10 again, the beginning leg of our journey from Van Horn to Fort Davis (90 miles).

We were blessed again with tail winds, and we flew down the shoulder of I 10. But alas, we had to exit to make our way to Davis Mountains State Park and Indian Lodge, our sanctuary for the evening and tomorrow (a day off!). While I'm sure I'll complain about being in Texas for so long, the views of the Davis Mountains and the McDonald observatory were beautiful. As we exited I 10 the road turned and the tail winds became cross winds and the beautiful butter like shoulder of I 10 became Texas chip seal (see yesterday for description)

I struggled to get to the Woman Tours trailer for lunch at the 45 mile mark, and when I arrived I decided I had had enough, and jumped in the Van for the final 45 miles.

Life is full of rationalizations and today I rationalized myself to a ride in the Van. I've decided this journey is about the experience and not about biking every mile. I've already biked more than I ever thought I would. I'm learning flexibility, I'm learning that every day is a new gift (as long as the legs work) and that I should just enjoy myself and not beat myself up if I hop in the Van. That's my story and I'm sticking to it....

Tonight, I'm not snug in bed, but in a beautiful lobby of the Indian Lodge at the Davis Mountains State Park, built in 1934 by the Civilian Conservation Corps Workers. A beautiful architectural gift. Tomorrow perhpas I can get some pictures....off to dinner....

Day 18 ................ tail wind!

We left Fort Hancock at the crack of dawn....a long day (76 miles) and crossing into Central Time thus losing and hour made me nervous to say the least. We were welcomed by a cool morning, cycling past more farm fields and the ever present border patrol.

We were also treated to what they call "Texas chip seal" roads. It's kinda like pedaling with your rear brakes rubbing and a low back tire. It's hard work. However, despite the chip seal and some climbing, and losing and hour, we did make good time; thanks to a beautiful tail wind......

We also rode on I 10 for a few miles, a bit nerve racking with tractor trailers whizzing by, but it was a nice change from the chip seal....

I've been thinking about what I wanted to accomplish on this ride...it suddenly occurred to me that we are on day 18, and I've have no monumental life changing experiences. But then again, every day is new and each one is a new experience. I guess I was expecting some soul searching or epiphany.

One thing I do know, I set out to accomplish a task, and as for Day 18, it looks like I will do it!

Day18 ......... being a tourista

Today was a relaxing, visiting America day. We were encouraged to take it slow and stop and see the sights along our 47 mile trek. We were following the Mission Trail from El Paso to Ft. Hancock, TX.

We stopped and took a tour of the Mission at Socorro and at San Elizario. The architecture was stunning as well as the art. The sense of history was overwhelming.

The roads were flat the scenery agricultural, more pecan groves and cotton fields...and the sun was shinning.....the sky was blue.....

As usual, snug in bed....looking forward to tomorrow!

Day 17......Fantastic

What a glorius day! This is the kind of day that makes you remember why you love to ride a bike. I will admit that I was beginning to wonder after the freezing cold, and the snow, why in the world I embarked on this journey. But, alas, despite near freezing temps at the start this morning, the days ride was well worth it. We left our Las Cruces, NM hotel and pedaled through miles and miles of pecan groves and cotton fields, and fertile farm lands. The road was smooth, flat and fast! The 66 miles just flew by.

The pecan groves soon gave way to city as we rode through Sunland Park NM, then across the Rio Grande to the great state of Texas. We will be in TX for the next three weeks. It's a really big state! Lunch at the local Tony's Gorditas was a culinary treat, then on to a bike shop. It was time for brake cable replacement and a new chain. All is well and we rolled into the Comfort Inn at El Paso, just in time for a quick shower, laundry and a border crossing party. (we wont' have one of those again for a long time)

Tomorrow we pedal on to Fort Hancock, TX where there will be no internet service....so no update tomorrow night...

As usual, snug in bed looking forward to tomorrow.....

Day 16 ........... freezing

When one starts out on an adventure like I've decided to tackle, you know there will be unexpected circumstances. Well, I met mine today. I must admit that I never anticipated freezing temperatures. I thought it would be cooler at the higher elevations, but snow and cold, I never in a million years thought I'd experience that.

We left the bustling metropolis (population 30) of Kingston, NM this morning, the sky was a perfect blue, the sun was blazing, and I thought it would be a great day. I had some concerns about my riding abilities today, but as we started down the 9 mile descent, my confidence grew, then the wind kicked up, and it energized me over the rollers of the New Mexico ranch land. But soon, I realized that the white stuff beside the road was heavy, heavy, frost.....(later I found out that it was about 28 degrees this morning in Kingston) I did soon realize that my head was frozen, my butt was frozen, and I was cold to the core.

While my riding was good, and I felt much stronger than I anticipated after yesterday, I was frozen. So, at mile 26 at the first SAG stop, I bagged it and crawled in the warm van and headed to Las Cruzes. It took over an hour to stop shivering. Hopefully tomorrow will be warmer.

Day 15 ......... snow!

What a day, we left Silver City in 37 degree temperatures.....brrrrrr.....and then we headed up...the views were spectacular, but didn't make up for the climbing. I did take some photos but have not had a chance to download, so I'll try to post them later.

This was the day that my big sis got her groove back. She headed out and up and left me in the dust. This is the day that I began to question if maybe I've already given all I have. I felt stong last week, this week not so strong..... I did the total ride, 48 miles, ok, that's not many but they were mostly all up.....

When we arrived at Emory Pass, the snow began to come in flurries....then we headed down an 8 mile hill to the town of Kingston (population 30) to the Black Range Lodge. On the decent the snow came in big splat flakes and splatted on my glasses, then it turned to rain...and it was cold.....

I heard rumor of a 80 mile ride tomorrow....oy....

Day 14 ........ hangin' in Silver City

Ahhhhh......beautiful, no map meeting, no snacks set out at 7:00am, no pumping tires....just a day to relax. What a great place, Silver City, New Mexico.

The best thing about today was being able to sip more than one cup of coffee, not worring about were the next bathroom break might be! We could be here at the hotel all day! So after breakfast and laundry, we headed downtown Silver City via our legs, yes walking. We decided no bike seats for us today. The town did not disappoint with quaint shops, galleries, lots of restaurants, and of course gellato.

We had a scrumptious mexican lunch.....stolled some more......back to the hotel for
day off bike cleaning. Yes, I oiled my chain all by myself, and lubricated some squeaky points and pulled a burr out of my back tire, we hope it didn't punture the tube....we'll know tomorrow morning.

As always, snug in my bed, dreaming of pedaling...............

Day 13 ......the continental divide

The winds continued today....as we saw the cue sheet at our map meeting we noticed that today's ride was only 47 miles. By now we know that means climbing, and that we did...up, up, up (a total of 3,900 ft) and there it was a small side that said "continental divide". It did appear that we were at the top of the world. We did pause long enough to take a photo...then started our treat down hill.....

So, not only did we have winds we had climbing, it was another tough day. I thought that after my day of rest that my legs would be strong and I would climb as well as in the past. That did not happen.

We passed huge mining operations and tumble weeds and that was about it. I must say I am ready for different scenery.....

As usual, snug in bed, looking forward to a day off tomorrow!

Day 12......LInda takes a day off....

After the grueling ride to Globe, then dealing with the head winds yesterday, and waking with a sore throat....I decided to take a day off and ride in the van.

As I was laying in bed at 5 AM struggling to swallow, and made the decision not to ride, I felt confidend of my decision and packed and dressed accordinging. Then, at 6:45 as the rest of the women were packing their snacks and pumping their tires, I was suddenly jealous, and wavered on my decision.

Riding in the van we experienced blue sky and were treated to fields of wildflowers and yucca's galore. We could not feel the 20 - 30 mph winds.....after we arrived at our hotel in Lordsburg, NM and realized that only 4 of 23 women completed the 75 mile ride, all strugling for hours, some as many as 10 hours fighting with headwinds, I was glad that I sat the day out.

We celebrated at dinner as usual, we have one more state behind us (AZ) and are now experienceing New Mexico. Our toughest climbing days are ahead, I hear rumor that tomorrow will be tough. I'll be ready. I had a great day of rest, napped all afternoon, and this evening, feel much better. So, I'll be out there with the rest of them tomorrow....

As usual, snug in bed ready for lights out!

Day 11.....the best lunch ever

If I remember the good things about a day, the bad things seem to fade away. By far the best thing about today was lunch. We were in the San Carlos Reservation, in Bylas, AZ and along the side of the road was a stand selling fry bread and tacos. I had stuffed fry bread, stuffed with beef, lettuce, cheese...it was yummy and just the thing after biking 44 miles....

Then the pain started. We were in a beautiful fertile agricultural valley with snow capped Graham Mountain and Turnbull Mountain as a back drop, it was a beautiful site to behold. Flat, what more could a biker want...suddenly there it was a ferocious head wind. We've heard reports of that it was up to 35mph. The rest of the day, 78 miles total, was one of the toughest rides to date. And this on the heels of climbing yesterday. I could barely get off the bike when we arrived at our hotel in Safford. My big sis gave it up about 15 miles out and took a ride in the SAG, again!

The best lunch ever, was followed up by a wonderful dinner by our own chef of grilled salmon, boiled potatoes, lentils and Waldorf salad. So I guess today's post is mostly about food. It's amazing what you can eat when you're expending so much energy.

As always, snug in bed looking forward to tomorrow.......

Day 10.........upward to Globe

Today was the toughest ride yet, Gold Canyon to Glob, AZ, even moreso than the climb out of San Diego. When I got the adventure cycling maps a few months ago, I showed them to my friend Charlie, and he said that the ride to Globe would be tougher than the inital climbs. Well, he was right. It was a very tough day, not only were there 7% grades for miles and miles, and a tunnel, and beautiful red rocks, there was no shoulder at times and steep drop offs. But I persevered. I rode every inch when others including my sister, chose to hop in the SAG for a few miles. I will admit I was determined to do it, I pulled down deep within and somehow completed the task. I'm not sure what tomorrow will bring...not sure my legs will take another day......while it was a comparably short day, my meter read 50 miles, it was hard.

So as usual, here I am, snug in my bed, dreaming of tomorrow and hoping it's easy!

Day 9.....riding with "The Ladies"

Today was a special day on two fronts. First, we left the hotel and started the ride following our cue sheets; after about 17 miles it all looked familiar and I was back riding with "The Ladies" on Invergordon, Mockingbird, and 68th St. I remembered riding those very streets as a newbie, getting my first flat, learning the ropes. Never dreaming that on a day in the not to distant future I would be riding those same roads "across America". It's amazing what can happen in a year.

The treat came, meeting "The Ladies" at the intersection of McDonald and Hayden, there they were, all 25 of them! What a treat to ride with them for a wee bit through the greenbelt to our Woman Tours SAG stop at Jack Rabbit and Hayden. There were hugs and kisses all around. Thanks team for coming out.....it was great to see you all again, I look forward to the day that we can ride, have bagels and just catch up on the adventure.

After our good-byes, we trekked on down the road, crossing and traversing many familiar streets to the far East valley and Gold Canyon where the second treat of the day awaited. This was family night, so not only did I get to see my husband again, but my sister as well. Times with sisters are always great. So, now I've said good-bye all over again, and am feeling a bit blue. The wide expanse of the USA awaits, but leaving family and loved ones is always sad.

Tomorrow another phase of the adventure starts. No more looking forward to home and familiar territory....not to mention a huge climb to the mining town of Globe, AZ. Hope it doesn't snow.

Snug in bed again, ready to rest up for the journey ahead!

Day 8....back in the valley

As we left from Wickenburg this morning, I anticipated a short easy ride...I had been looking at the elevation maps from Adventure Cycling and assumed a quick down hill ride...boy was I wrong...instead of a straight shot down route 60, we took 74 past Lake Pleasant and then the Carefree Highway....absolutely beautiful views of the greatest state however, lots more climbing than I had anticipated....

Then a stop at a bike shop to get some adjustments and repairs and an proactive change of back tire after observing a slow leak....so a much later arrival at the the hotel...but a shower and a quick clean up...and then my Friends from the neighborhood stopped by and we had a dinner out.....the food and fellowship was great, but the service was terrible...it was good to see my fabulous husband and friends from the 'hood

Today as I was pedaling along, I was thinking about all those early Friday, Saturday, and Sunday rides over the last year, climbing 5th Ave, 17th Ave, 9 mile hill and remembering how I would dream of other roads, roads from San Diego to St. Augustine...and now I'm on those roads. I week down, 7 to go. There are times when I question whether I can make it...and then other days I feel strong and know that I will...

Wonder what tomorrow will bring.....

Day 7........first flat

Today was monumental....I had my first flat of the trip. Not bad when you think about it...one week, riding everyday....thankfully a guardian angel came by to change the tire, I helped a wee bit....

We rode from Salome AZ to Wickenburg AZ, and really just more of the same big blue Arizona sky with a back drop of beautiful purple mountains majesty! I saw snow capped mountains in the distance, I assume Mt. Humphrey in Flagstaff, it was beautiful!

It is amazing that now 66 miles is a short day! I got to the hotel in Wickenburg by 3:00pm, what a treat. Time to do laundry check in on the email and just chill.

So, here I am again, snug in bed ready to call it a day.......zzzzzzzzz

Day 6…..sweet home Arizona

We said good-bye to California today. After a short bike ride to the Colorado River, we crossed into sweet home Arizona. Got a chance to ride on I 10 today, which was pretty cool, trucks flying by, lots of debris….but the good news was wide open shoulders and manageable grades.

We then stopped in Quartzite for a break, good coffee and lots of treats at Sweet Brenda’s Bakery, and the sticky buns were good…just the energy we needed to get back on I 10 and head to the exit for Route 60 to the small town of Brenda, AZ where our SAG (support and gear) was waiting with water fill ups and snacks.

After that we continued on Route 60 to the small town of Hope, AZ where we stopped at the Victory Lane Café for Lunch and to just chill….after that it was only 6 miles to our accommodations in Salome, AZ. If you take a moment to Google Salome, AZ you will note that there is one motel, that’s where we are!

It was a beautiful day of riding the vistas of the mountains in the back ground against our fabulous Arizona blue sky, it feel great to be “home”. The ride of 67 miles seemed to just fly by….

Day 5 postscript

No internet service at the hotel tomorrow night, don't think I'm saavy enough to post from the blackberry, so.....no update for day 6!

Day 6.....0 miles!

Today was our first rest day.....it was nice not to have to get on the bike. Although truth be told, I did miss it a little. I was a little restless. I guess I've gotten accustomed to all the new scenery....all things new, every day. But, also truth be told, my butt could use a day off, so I relaxed.....shopped, sat in the hot tub, and made a few calls.


I thought I'd take this opportunity to share some photos of what our daily routine entails and the support vehicles we have. Woman Tours has a 15 passenger van that can carry just about as many bikes and pulls a trailer that holds the kitchen and the luggage....here's the set up.....

Yes, the trailer really has a kitchen here it is!

Yes, this really is a kitchen, and wow the meals that come out of it are fabulous! It' s pretty much gormet all the way...fresh, wholesome and healthly just a way a girl needs to eat for riding 89 miles in a day.....

Well, tomorrow will come soon enough as we cross the border into Arizona........

Day 5..........long ride

Today's ride was 89 miles. I've never ridden that far in one day before. Ouch! That seat is really tiny.....

It was a beautiful southern Californina day.....blue sky, blazing sun, first the fertile imperial valley with fields stretching as far as the eye could see, with the chocolate mountains in the background.

The view then turned to the sand dues....big beautiful sand dunes.....the rolling hills....I love those....flying down the hill, seeing how far you can get up the other side, then down again...it was great.....

Then back down to the fertile farming town of Blythe, again with agricultural fields as far as you can see, again with mountains in the background. The best part is FLAT.....

Tomorrow is a day off.....so a day of rest.....

Day 4........rain, rain, rain.....

As I awoke this morning to the sound of rain on the roof (at least my bed and room were dry, many of my trip mates had water dripping not only in their rooms but on their beds)......... and wondered....will it ever stop...well the answer to the question is NO!! It rained all day, every inch and every mile....and wow..the dirt! The bike so so dirty, I was dirty, it all had to go in the washer when I got it. My rain gear did a great job, and I was toasty dry on top....with no rain pants, below the waist was a different story. Thanks to a gift from my sister at Christmas, my hands were toasty warm......

But, here is the really good news for the day.....we had a 22 mile flat stretch with a tail wind....wheeeeeeeeee........it was fun....if everyday could have the terain of today with no rain....that would be something. We are in the Imperial Valley of California very beautiful agricultural area, and yes, the agricultural aromas that go with it....we saw fields and fields of green stuff...(I was going to fast to see what it was) and then we came upon sheep!

Well, it feels good to be warm and dry........looking forward to a sunny day tomorrow, finally! Hope my shoes dry out!

Day 3....and again can you say climbing?

Wow, what a day! We left Alpine and first up was 8 miles almost straight up....then a little down hill then lots more up hill....we climbed from 2,000 ft. to over 3,500 feet. There was wind, there was rain, there was fog, and it was COLD.....

The scenery has been just beautiful....and I'm learning that biking can be lots of fun if you don't push, push, push, all the time. It's been very liberating to stop for a cup of coffee, or a piece of pie....or just to catch your breath. See the thing is, you can push yourself really hard, but when you get into the hotel, dinner still is served at 5:30 or 6:00 so why hurry?

I also learned today, that things go much better when your front brakes are aligned properly and not rubbing....

So, we're only at day three, but I think this will be the adventure of a lifetime....

Day 2.....can you say climbing?

Wow, what a day, we started off by riding to the pacific ocean from our hotel and dipped our tires in the water......friends and family came to say good-bye...and we were off!

It was a strange sensation, just riding a bike, and knowing that your destination is 3,100 miles away. I have never riden with cue sheets before, I've always been a follower....well, after 3 miles, we were lost.....ouch! That was a bit scary....but several of us put our heads to gether and got back on track and I suddenly found myself paying much more attention to the roads.....

It was a short day of riding, but the last 7 or so miles were a steep incline. There is a reason the name of the town is Alpine.....

Here are pics from the start at the beach....looking forward to tomorrow...another day on the road....

It's almost time......

We had our first ride meeting today, we got to meet all the other crazy people....the ones who have decided to ride from San Diego to St. Augustine.....

I think it's finally hit me, what am I doing here? Who's bright idea was this? Well at least the other women seem great, a really fun bunch...but seriously 3,100 miles on a bike....what was I thinking.

I am so nervous for tomorrow....can I make it with the rest of the pack to the starting line? We need to ride 3 miles to the beach so we can dip our tires....then we head out or should I say up...it's a 2,000 ft. climb in elevation tomorrow.....

On the eve of this fabulous adventure, I declare myself ready, and so it will be....It was so great to have my dad, my niece and her kids, my riding buddy my sister, and of course the one and only ever supportive husband.......stay posted, hopefully I'll get a photo of the start tomorrow and get to post it for all to see......

Packing......checking the bike......getting nervous

Well, today's the day to head to San Diego....Paul and I decided to go over a day early for a bit of R&R.....

I'm ready to just get on the road already....this waiting is killing me a bit. The packing is challenging too....we're held to 50 lbs...One suitcase....so I'll be seeing alot of the SAME clothes over and over again.....

The send-off party was great, I'm trying my had a posting some photos...one of me pontificating from a chair...and one of the fabulous bike that will carry me across the country......thanks to Jim Jochim for the photos....