Santa Fe NM to Las Vegas NM. 73 miles and 3780 feet of climbing

 

It was nice and cool when we left the Marriott Hotel in Santa Fe this morning at 7:30 sharp. We were told that there was a good chance of thundershowers later in the day, and we were advised to bring our rain jackets with us. After Friday's wet and cold ride, every rider was prepared. The weather in New Mexico can change from sunny skies to cold rain to hail and then back to sunny, all in the span of forty-five minutes. 

Santa Fe sits at almost 7000 feet above sea level, and a few riders mentioned that they could feel that it was tougher to get their breath. We did a good bit of climbing on our way to the first SAG stop in Pecos National Historical Park, about 30 miles into the ride. It is a beautiful area in the Sandia Mountains, with forests, and meadows all around. Way off in the distance, I could see the uppermost slopes of Taos Ski Area. I had never been to this part of New Mexico. It is sparsely populated, relatively unspoiled, and stunningly beautiful. After today's ride, I can definitely say that this is, by far, my favorite part of the state. I'm partial to mountains. 

At the second SAG stop, we all were encouraged to pose with a sign that said, "1000 miles", obviously commemorating that milestone in our ride. 

The final 30 miles into Las Vegas, NM, was along country roads. Although we were technically descending, it was an up-and-down affair consisting of a downhill stretch followed by short to medium climbs, followed by another descent, followed by another short climb. Every so often, we would pass a farm with horses, goats, cows, and, occasionally, dogs. I out-pedaled an angry German Shepard that made a beeline for my bike. Other riders mentioned being chased at various times as well. All emerged unscathed.   

During the final 10 miles, thunder and lightning appeared in the skies just to the east of us. Then a light rain began, and the wind picked up. Nothing too extreme, but some riders admitted to being a little unnerved by the lighting. Everyone made it safely to our Hotel, The Plaza in Las Vegas, New Mexico. 

Las Vegas is a town of about 13,000. According to a brochure I picked up in the lobby, the town was established in 1835 by a group of settlers who received a land grant from the Mexican government. It then prospered as a major stop on the Santa Trail throughout the 1800s. Around 1880, the railroad arrived, and the town became one of the largest cities in the American Southwest. This hotel we are staying at opened in 1882 when the town was booming due to the railroad. 

Dinner was on our own tonight, meaning it was not provided by the tour company. I ate with riders, Doug from New Jersey, and Mark and Spencer from the UK. The pizza was very good. 

I found out today that one rider who failed to complete the windy, cold ride on Friday (the guy staring off in the distance in the lobby that day) rented a van with his buddy on Saturday, and drove to the place he stopped on Friday. He then rode his bike the final 30 miles to the hotel so now he can still say he road "EFI," every fabulous inch.  

We found out yesterday by text that one more tour staff member has left for home. Gary, a retired State Policeman who lives in Arizona, had been having some knee pain. Perhaps he thought he'd better not push it. I spoke with Gary quite often over the past two weeks. He was always helpful, gracious, and had a big smile. I'm sad to see him go, but I think it is for the best. 

Tomorrow it is 110 miles to Tucumcari, NM. 

Our hotel for this evening.