Las Vegas NM to Tucumcan NM 110 miles and 2631 feet of climbing

 

At 7:30 AM this morning, when we left the Plaza Hotel in Las Vegas, New Mexico, the sun was coming up, and it was nice and cool. Today we were headed to Tucumcan, New Mexico, 110 miles away. After riding out of town, the first part of the morning consisted of a gradual climb through vast pastures and plains. On either side of the lightly traveled two-lane road, there were miles and miles of treeless pasture land as far as the eye could see. We perhaps passed three or four houses in 30 miles. Although we did pass 2 or 3 iron gates in front of dirt roads signifying the entrance to a ranch. 

At the first SAG stop in the middle of this vast plain, Payton, our mechanic, told me,

"You wait. Up the road, you will go around a bend, and the scenery will completely change. It's awesome!"

I typically start slower than the other riders n our group because I like to ease into the ride and pace myself, especially on a 100+ mile day. So I was probably the second to last person to arrive at the first SAG. Remember that about half the riders leave 30 minutes before our group of 10. Some of them were still at the SAG when I pulled in. If you've read my accounts of these rides before, you know that I like to keep my SAG stops short and sweet. Drink lots of water, eat a pastry or whatever they are featuring, refill my water bottles, and then get back on the road. Typically I stop no more than ten minutes. Today they were featuring something akin to a Twinkie on steroids. Imagine a Twinkie covered with white chocolate frosting. It was outstanding. I liked it so much that I took another one for the second SAG in 30 miles. They were providing sandwiches for lunch. I cannot eat a sandwich in the middle of a ride, even if it is more than 100 miles. 

Sure enough, just like Payton told me, about 10 miles up the road, we passed a ranch house, went around a corner, and came upon a beautiful vista that looked like something right out of a John Wayne western. The road descended along the mountainside, and it was spectacular. For the rest of the day, we were riding through this sort of landscape. 

At the second SAG, I eat my second super twinkie, drank some Gatorade (the temperature was rising), and then headed back out on the road about 8-9 minutes after arriving. Everyone else was socializing and eating their sandwiches. At that point in the ride, we still had 62 miles to go, and I knew it would continue getting hotter in the afternoon.  A third SAG was set up 30 miles down the road. I kept up a good pace as I rode through a landscape that reminded me of the movie, The Searchers. Dramatic red rock formations and sagebrush. After a while, Simon from the UK, by far the strongest rider on this tour, whizzed past me and said hello. We were going up a pretty steep climb at the time, and he just annihilated it, at times standing and dancing on the pedals like you see the Tour De France riders do. 

Then Peter from the UK came up by my side and, before passing me, said, 

"Come on. Press into it!

I actually had a good groove going on that climb, for me, that is. I raised the seat post on the bike just a little bit, and now I feel like I get better leg extension on each pedal stroke. This helps my overall riding, including the climbs. 

At mile 76, I joined the three other riders that had arrived before me, Peter, Simon, and David, the Navy doctor. Without looking at my queue sheet, I asked how many more miles we had left. They said 33. I downed a few Jelly Belly candies and got back on my way. I suspected that the final miles would be tough, and they were. With about 15 miles to go, I started to feel it in my feet and hands. Simon passed me with about 20 miles to go. He looked as fresh and fast as he had 6 plus hours ago when we all set out together. I expected to be passed by the other two riders at that last SAG, but it didn't happen. I was the second man in. Only because I don't stop very long during the day. My rationale is simple, the quicker I finish the miles, the quicker I can get something to eat, a beer, and a shower. 

I think the lunch that was offered at the second SAG and the resulting social hour that ensued enticed the riders to stay longer. That is the only reason I happened to make it to the hotel earlier than the rest. And I am sure that some people had flats. 

All in all, it was a long, tiring ride. The last ten miles were hot. I don't do well in the heat, and right on schedule, my stomach started feeling a little upset towards the end. But I made it to the hotel and got a beer and a shower, and all was well. 

Everyone I eat with tonight at dinner agreed that it was a bear of a ride. I'd say 20 miles too long and hot at the end. 

They catered the dinner for us here at the hotel tonight. Tacos. 

I ordered a pizza delivered to my room. Mexican food is the last thing my stomach needs tonight. 

I do enjoy the solitude of sitting in my quiet hotel room and writing this blog after a long day riding my bike. I feel extremely lucky to be able to do a ride of this length. 

Onward tomorrow!

Click here to see a video of today's ride