Today we figured out that we are at around 800 miles into this journey and we all seem to be getting stronger. We usually finish the rides exhausted but after a nice shower, a good meal and a restful night's sleep we wake up early and attack another day of grueling riding. There are no complaints so far. We all know what we signed up for. Today's ride out of Safford, AZ began with a 20 mile gradual climb. It shouldn't have been difficult but there was a headwind. Once we reached the top the wind changed and we made good time to Duncan, AZ. It seemed like a cute historical town that boasted that it was Sandra Day O' Conner's hometown.
(Dick enjoying a snack at mile 20)
We rode about 10 miles and we crossed into New Mexico. At this point the road greatly improved and with the headwind pushing us, we made great time to Lordsburg, NM.
(Pat, Dick and James celebrated the new state)
Lordsburg seems like a depressed area but it does have a great restaurant very close to the KOA campground that we're staying at. When we arrived the wind was howling and we had to hang on to our tents as we tried to put them up. Tomorrow we begin a steep climb to Silver City, NM where we will have a day off before we tackle Emory Pass. More about that tomorrow.
(This is Dr. Nick who takes care of all of our medical needs. He's an experienced biker who began our ride immediately after finishing The Pacific Coast Ride for MS which was almost 2,000 miles long. The girls call him the White Rabbit because he leaves early and doesn't stop very long at the rest stops and seems to magically appear at camp before most of us do.)
Stay tuned. . .
