WIND!
Grants, NM to Albuquerque, NM: 79 miles
Woke up at 5 to see the bushes out front of hotel bent over, due north. So we take off at 7, due south, straight into it. The terrain was lava flow from Mount Taylor, beautiful. After a few miles, we headed east and we had a cross wind almost all day. Our weather apps had the winds at 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 50 mph.
There were two long down hills, where we could have hit 40+ mph, but the cross winds were so strong we had to really slow down......uuggh. I can not believe how much the wind out here can push a bike and rider around. I have never experienced winds like that.
We usually have 2 SAG stops a day. It is a nice chance to get water and carbs, protein, and fat. They always have fresh fruit. Not a lot of chatter, but when people speak, it is usually funny.
Some flats today. The next bike group to go through won't have as many wires to contend with.
Town names: My all time favorite is "Good Water". Simple, informative. Earlier we rode by "Two Arrows", then "Two Guns". Probably a good story there.
The trains still impress me. Some have 3 or 4 locomotives in the front, 2 in the middle and 2 at the end. Glad we don't have to wait for them to pass.
We had a few good pace lines today with 6 to 9 riders. They are hard to keep together for too long because all the men are in their 60s and 70s and have very different micturation schedules.
Linda pulled a group of 9, then a group of 6 through the high desert. She says being in a pace line vascilates between thrilling and nerve wracking.
It is fun to learn other peoples riding style, candence, and how they set their pace. Frequently people have a "ride all day" heart rate range that they work to stay in.
In a future blog, I will share a little bit about our group of riders. The short take is there are some very strong athletes.
Tomorow: off to Sante Fe. Looks like a day of climbs.
Woke up at 5 to see the bushes out front of hotel bent over, due north. So we take off at 7, due south, straight into it. The terrain was lava flow from Mount Taylor, beautiful. After a few miles, we headed east and we had a cross wind almost all day. Our weather apps had the winds at 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 50 mph.
We usually have 2 SAG stops a day. It is a nice chance to get water and carbs, protein, and fat. They always have fresh fruit. Not a lot of chatter, but when people speak, it is usually funny.
Some flats today. The next bike group to go through won't have as many wires to contend with.
Town names: My all time favorite is "Good Water". Simple, informative. Earlier we rode by "Two Arrows", then "Two Guns". Probably a good story there.
The trains still impress me. Some have 3 or 4 locomotives in the front, 2 in the middle and 2 at the end. Glad we don't have to wait for them to pass.
We had a few good pace lines today with 6 to 9 riders. They are hard to keep together for too long because all the men are in their 60s and 70s and have very different micturation schedules.
Linda pulled a group of 9, then a group of 6 through the high desert. She says being in a pace line vascilates between thrilling and nerve wracking.
It is fun to learn other peoples riding style, candence, and how they set their pace. Frequently people have a "ride all day" heart rate range that they work to stay in.
In a future blog, I will share a little bit about our group of riders. The short take is there are some very strong athletes.
Tomorow: off to Sante Fe. Looks like a day of climbs.
Good job! As you exit New Mexico in 2 days you will meet your next challenge: tornados. Be careful as you ride thru Tornado Alley as tornado season has started early this year. Good luck. I am enjoying the daily posts although estoy esperando por un escrito en español, Linda 🤭.
ReplyDeleteYo se, pero estoy demasiado cansada y no puedo pensar en espanol ahora. Bill esta escribiendo el blog, fortunatemente!
DeleteCongratulations on making it through "Hell week"!!! Although it does sound like that week has gotten a bit longer. As I'm writing this you are probably working your way into Santa Fe. I just have to say it again, "You guys rock!" Hope you enjoy the lovely vistas around Santa Fe. I walked 4 mi. today in Milwaukee and got caught in a downpour and I feel like a total wimp by comparison!! Thanks for all the cool sharing and the pics!! Cindy
ReplyDeleteThanks Cindy. It seems like every day is a little bit of hell and a little bit of heaven---by the end of the day, mostly the good things stick with us. And, of course, the tough stuff makes the best stories.
Delete