Van Horn, Tx

Today was a relaxation day we toured the Red Rock Ranch where some movies had been made 20 years ago and visited the local museum. Our guide was very enthused about the area. It was great to talk to a lot of you today felt like I was at home. After Sunday we will be out of cell and internet contact for about 3 or 4 days maybe we will have service?

Sierra Blanca to Van Horn

Another day in paradise. It was a little chillier as we are climbing again. Leaving Van Horn will be our last major climb up to 6800 feet. I don't have any pictures there was nothing out there. I tried to convince Maria it is where the Presidential Bunker is hidden she didn't buy it. We saw one cyclist two cars and lots of trains what a great road to cycle on no traffic. We are exploring Van Horn tomorrow so I will have pics.

El Paso to Sierra Blanca

What a great day the wind Gods smiled on us today we were cruising along at 23-25 mph. We traveled the road less traveled stopped in Fabens at the church of Guadalupe. We are riding really close to the border and had lunch at a little park by the border. Later a dog was running along the canal trying to race us he kept looking over to see who was ahead and almost fell in the canal. Later a coyote crossed in front of us as the road is becoming more deserted only Border Patrol Hummers. The ride today revitalized my spirits. We stayed in the quaint town of Sierra Blanca where the Transcontinental Railroads met. Our motel was the epitomy of western. Thanks to all of you with your comments they keep me motivated.

Pics: Road Less Traveled, hitched to the post, Transcontinental site

Las Cruces to El Paso

This morning was a great day for a bike ride we cruised through Pecan Groves that arched over the road. And then we came into the fields and the wind Gods were waiting for us with gust up to 40 mph and dust. We looked like walking dust balls. We attempted Anthony Gap and the 375 Loop around El Paso guess what it was closed to bikes and is now a major interstate. We didn't get very far hopefully the winds will die down tonight.
Nancy we did find a great restaurant in Truth or Consequences "Hot Stuff"

We have revised our itinerary and slowed it down a little we should arrive in St. Augustine on May 20th.

Hillsboro to Las Cruces

Today was a great ride leaving Hillsboro some rollies some wind and 17 miles later we arrive at the Rio Grande and headed south. Again spectacular views following the Rio Grande south. I do believe the wind Gods favor us and like to see us head on they were challenging us every pedal stroke. We met a group of 5 traveling to San Diego from St. Augustine they said we were headed in the wrong direction. Go figure. We had lunch in Hatch and spent a little time and money there. In Hillsboro we had no cell phone or internet so at the Rio Grande we were talking to friends and family. One of my pictures is for Lou and one for Dan and Michelle.

Silver City to Hillsboro NM

Silver City is a small town since we were there for Easter everything was closed. We did a little walking tour it was windy and cool. The elevation was difficult to get use to our hotel was the Palace Hotel an old quaint buildingin Historic Old Town, where we had to walk up stairs, that was harder than cycling. We rode out to Emory Pass 8226 feet the scenery was breath taking along the way it reminded me of Circle R, East Grade Palomar, Couser and Rice for 20 miles. A little wind, of course I am dressed for cold but, climbing negates that. The little head wind was refreshing. At the top we met a father and son who had climbed it in both directions. Going down was a treat a little gentler than South Grade Palomar and of course a head wind. It was down hill all the way to our charming B&B in Hillsboro the Enchanted Villa owned and operated by a woman from Vista, Ca.

Pics: Mango Salsa at the top made by Malena, the down hill, me going over Emory Pass, and Silver City walk.

Globe to Silver City NM

We have adjusted our itinerary, we wanted to be in a larger town for Easter Sunday so we opted to bike-drive to Silver City, NM. We left Globe with a light shower elevation there is about 3600 feet and I am dressed for a typical southern California rain with maybe one extra light layer. We start out and it starts to rain and we go a few miles and it starts to hail and its getting colder and my fingers are getting numb and my neoprene pants are great for the front, however, my butt is soaked, I can't see more than 15 feet in front. I'm done. My son could not believe how far we had gone when I called him to come get us. I have learned an Apache word "Crazy white women". We drove the Coolidge Dam bypass it is not for road bikes. Breathe taking views.

We crossed the Continental Divide just before Silver City. We will be on the road again Monday.