New Mexico is very beautiful. We saw some incredible scenery. I only took one pic all day. This is looking back from where I had just come.
Monday, May 2, 2011
Day 9, May 2, 2011, Albuquerque, NM to Las Vegas, NM
136 miles and 8500 feet of climbing. The ride leader had said that today would be the toughest day of the tour and boy was he right. To add insult to injury the weather was lousy. When we went out to the parking lot this morning all of the car windows were frosted and it was 28 degrees. It did not get much above 38 degrees all day long and as we got into the higher elevations we had snow flurries and road thru several snow squalls. It was snowing (flurries) as I turned into the motel. From beginning to end the weather was awful! We spent most of the day at 7000 feet elevation. The elevation combined with many layers of clothing was exhausting. The climbing lasted throughout the entire day. It was never real steep just long and steady. Half the day was spent on Historic Highway 66 and I-25. I heard this is the last day for riding on interstate highways. We left at 6:30 a.m. and I did not get here til 7:00 p.m.. Not counting breaks, I was on the bike for nearly 11 hours and averaged about 11 mph. I am very tired. They claim that this was the most and last physically challenging days. From here on out it is more of a mental challenge i.e. getting out of bed and on the bike each day, day after day. I can' t imagine a more physically challenging day.
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hi jay
ReplyDeleteit's a great feeling to have the worse day behind you and from here on out it will be just clover, sunshine, and gentle breezes. :-)
your energy and strength is a example for us to get busy with the jobs we have for spring.
keep up your great attitude. you're the best.
Keep pedaling! You are a third of the way to Maine. I am very proud of you!
ReplyDeleteI sure am glad Mom does not have a Computer or Internet Access because I seriously almost cried reading this journal entry. Mom would probably send in the Navy Seals to rescue you if she read that Journal Entry. Keep up the great work and enjoy.
ReplyDeleteGlad you made it through your hardest day. What an accomplishment. It was a beautiful sight if not for the awful weather. My beautiful sight was Jack coming home from 4 days in D.C. He as able to bring home everything he left with the exception of his camera case. Now that is an accomplishment.
ReplyDeleteThe hardest day for me was getting him to stop talking & get to bed after being away for 4 days. He thought he needed to catch up for all the quiet I had while he was gone!
Leisa
Well Jay, the description of yesterday reminds me of my cross country ski trip through Yellowstone. It was very difficult and the weather was certainly challenging. But I kept thinking, "you asked for this and guess what, you got it." It's the challenging parts of an adventure like this that make it so exhilarating and give an awesome sense of accomplishment (especially after a few weeks of recovery and reflection and a couple beers!). Congratulations and keep pushing on.
ReplyDeleteWay to go Jay! You are such an inspiration... one day at a time....Hang in there, you have all of us here pulling for you! Be safe
ReplyDeleteKim and Ellie
way to go.....its all down hill from here!
ReplyDeletep.s. had my first day of work today......the lawn mower is like yours ( 0 radius) but on steroids......its sweet
ReplyDelete