The day got started under cloudy skies and a very light rain. We rolled out of Las Cruces and back into the farmlands and pecan groves of southern New Mexico. It was Saturday, so there were plenty of club riders out today. Team Time-trial was back in action and it was a blast to go flying by a small group out for a Saturday ride. Since it was mostly flat with a big climb at mile 40...I decided to really hammer the flats in an attempt to soften up Chip's climbing legs! A few of the local riders tried to hang on...only one was successful.
It was a short 65 mile ride to El Paso...so no need for stopping at the rest stops today! We wanted to get this over with!
After entering Texas we had a long 3 mile climb up and over Lincoln Mountain, which Chip won handily! I tried as hard as I could the last 1/2 mile...it wasn't going to happen! It was a beautiful descent down into El Paso and then a long circular tour to the Marriott and the end! My Mother and Sister-in-law were there to greet us with cheers and a huge cluster of balloons! It was really great to see them.
Bike packing went smoothly...thanks to the AirCaddy. It is considerably easier to manage than a standard bike box. Using shipbikes.com and the pre-paid FEDEX label was also a breeze.
I miss my beautiful wife and can't wait to see her! HUGE thanks to Katie for understanding how important this trip was to me.
And, big thanks to Luanne and Sal for making the long trip to El Paso...to cheer me to the finish!
I hope you enjoyed keeping up with this blog!
David
Great trip boys! Thanks for the laughs and a fabulous 3 weeks of riding!
Joel entering the first set of pecan groves
the boys flying thru the pecan groves
Ms. Johnson's 8th grade tractor driving class!
a few small vineyards scattered around southern New Mexico.
since New Mexico is too cheap to post a State Line sign at the northern entrance to the state....we shot it on our way into Texas this morning.
the boys at the Texas border
just starting the long climb up Lincoln Mountain
the last bit of climbing for the tour!
our first double "truck on cheese". Chip gives me a "sympathy wait" at the top
Chip victorious in his acceptance of KOM...again!
on the descent into El Paso...from the top of el paso!
The boys are greeted by Sal and Luanne!
Love the heart balloon!
1 comment:
David,
You don't know how many times I wished I was riding right beside you and Chip doing Paul and Phil immitations, echoing 'Sho Am Good', getting excited about truck on cheese signs, eating too much and just plain enjoying life while riding. Congrats on a great ride and thanks for letting us all experience your ride with you.
Rob
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