The highlight of the final night on Ridge of the Rockies was a live performance of his new hit song, "The PACtour Blues" by Mark Gunther! It's certainly not the same as Mark's passionate performance...but, you get the point!
Get up in the morning
You feel tired and pained
But it doesn't really matter
You're going to ride again
The wind it may be howling
But no one gives a shit
You're on a Pac Tour baby,
So suck it up and get into it.
Pac Tour breakfasts
Prepare you well to ride
What you scarf in 15 minutes
Would make most people wide
Yet all that you can think of
Is the food the SAG's may choose
But you've got to ride there first
And that gives you the Pac Tour Blues
Climbing up a mountain
In your little bit of hell
David comes from Florida
How come he climbs so well
Craig and Ray fly up those hills
Like angels coming through
But when all you hear is 'Look, he's going backwards, Phil'
Y'know that gives you the Pac Tour Blues
Your neck hurts like the blazes
So do your feet and thighs
Sitting in the saddle hurts as much as when you rise
There's nothing you'd like better
Than to sag at rest stop 2
But, no, you'll ride another 100 miles
With a bad case of the Pac Tour Blues.
Come into the lunch stop
Feeling like a wreck
Susan's so damn cheerful
You'd like to wring her neck
You wash your hands again and again . . . And
Look at all the scrumptious food
But when you think it tastes like cardboard
You know you've got the Pac Tour Blues.
Gary he rides it steady
Dan he rides it slow
Wayne's ride is mysterious
Where does that fellow go?
Chip goes off the front at once
Rich rides straight and true
But when you just can't hold his wheel again
You're guaranteed the Pac Tour Blues
A lot of us on Pac Tour
Are really kind of old
The aches and pains that are normal
Pac Tour makes them grow
Our friends they think we're crazy
Who knows it might be true, but
When you find yourself agreeing with them
You surely have the Pac Tour Blues
Janet hurt her ankle
Dan he hurt his calf
Lil's got a magic knee potion she brought all the way from France
But if you're so sore & hurting that
Even Jon can't get you through
And you have to walk down stairs sideways
You know you've got the Pac Tour Blues
The road has many hazards
To stop you on your way
At least you bike is shiny
from washing every day
The highway can be bumpy
The pilot cars too few
But 3 flats in six miles, Don,
Gave you a bad case of the Pac Tour Blues
The towns and the hotels
Seem to run together
Was it hot today or cold
You can't even remember the weather
Just ride and eat and sleep, and tomorrow is take 2
When it starts to feel like working
You know you've got the PacTour Blues
But then you see the mountains, or
Bomb down a long descent
Ride strongly in that paceline
Suddenly you're quite content
Thank you Lon & Susan for everything you do
Its loving being on the bike that takes away those old Pac Tour Blues
Yes its loving being on the bike that takes away those old Pac Tour
by Mark Gunther
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Saturday, August 16, 2008
The Banquet!
Huge thanks to all of the PACTour staff! They took really great care of us all during this trip.
They had a banquet for us tonight at the Marriott, complete with the presentation of photo plaques and a hilarious song: "The PACTour Blues" written and performed by Mark Gunther. I'll try to post the lyrics soon!
The Official Route Map was auctioned off tonight. Lon and Susan use the money from this auction to help build school in rural areas of Peru. The map went for $2100!!!
It was really great to have Sal and Luanne here with me! We had some good laughs...that's for sure!
They had a banquet for us tonight at the Marriott, complete with the presentation of photo plaques and a hilarious song: "The PACTour Blues" written and performed by Mark Gunther. I'll try to post the lyrics soon!
The Official Route Map was auctioned off tonight. Lon and Susan use the money from this auction to help build school in rural areas of Peru. The map went for $2100!!!
It was really great to have Sal and Luanne here with me! We had some good laughs...that's for sure!
Day 19 Las Cruces,NM to El Paso,TX 65 miles 1600' climbing
It's all over! I'm posting from the lobby of the Marriott in El Paso...with an ice cold Shiner Bock at hand (no Fat Tire in these parts...dang!) Thanks for taking the time to keep up with me! It was great knowing you were out there!
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!
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!
Friday, August 15, 2008
Day 18 Truth or Consequences,NM to Las Cruces,NM 82 miles 1200' climbing
It's almost over!!!! Today was a little subdued...with everyone now anticipating the last day of riding tomorrow!
Craig and I rolled down the hill and thru T or C this morning...minus Chip who was over at Denny's polishing off a Grand Slam.
We were joined by Team Slauson and soon got a nice steady paceline working south towards Las Cruces. We took advantage of Rest #1 in hopes that Mr. Grand Slam (Chip) would come flying by. As we pulled out...there he was. Ipod in...a sure sign that he meant business today! He was a man on a mission. Craig and I barely caught him. It took Team Slauson a few more minutes to get caught on...and then we were 5! The route took us thru some really beautiful farmlands along the Rio Grande River and into Hatch,NM...world famous for it's chile peppers! A few close calls with farm dogs (the good thing about being up front is the farm dogs haven't had a chance to gauge your speed..they usually chase for about 100yds and then retreat). Chip quick- stopped lunch and rolled the rest of the way into town solo. As we got closer to Las Cruces, we started seeing huge groves of pecan trees...that soon gave way to Las Cruces' sprawl! Craig and I met up with Chip again for a quick stop at the DQ for milkshakes...man, it was hot today!
The hotel had a margarita reception for us...then Chip and I walked over to the Old Town section of Las Cruces. Reminded me of St. Augustine...with plenty of cheesy tourist shops...and heat!
Tomorrow we roll for the final time....Las Cruces to El Paso! I'm fortunate to have a welcoming committee when I get into El Paso tomorrow in my mother & sister-in-law. It will be great to see them! It's only 65 miles...so I hope I'm not too sweaty & stinky! To be honest, Craig, Chip and I were ready to just keep riding on to El Paso today!
Some may say it's the internet, television, radio, or even the thermos...I now believe "this" (the motel waffle machine) is man's greatest invention!
rollin' towards Las Cruces
the Rio Grande River...not very exciting!
we rolled in to Hatch,NM just as the kitchen van was passing us. The speed goes from 45 to 30 and Mr. Sheriff was at the ready to make his quota. Fortunately, he only gave them a warning. We were really worried it would slow them enough we'd miss lunch!! The humanity!!!
did I tell you it was hot today?
Craig rolling thru the pecan groves
The Old Town Square in Las Cruces
somehow...I don't think Billy would be proud of the fact they sell fudge and t-shirts in "his" store. He was more a bullets and whiskey guy!
business must not be so good...lot's of store are closed down.
"Sucker Punch Sally's"?
The Organ Mountains that loom over Las Cruces from the east.
Craig and I rolled down the hill and thru T or C this morning...minus Chip who was over at Denny's polishing off a Grand Slam.
We were joined by Team Slauson and soon got a nice steady paceline working south towards Las Cruces. We took advantage of Rest #1 in hopes that Mr. Grand Slam (Chip) would come flying by. As we pulled out...there he was. Ipod in...a sure sign that he meant business today! He was a man on a mission. Craig and I barely caught him. It took Team Slauson a few more minutes to get caught on...and then we were 5! The route took us thru some really beautiful farmlands along the Rio Grande River and into Hatch,NM...world famous for it's chile peppers! A few close calls with farm dogs (the good thing about being up front is the farm dogs haven't had a chance to gauge your speed..they usually chase for about 100yds and then retreat). Chip quick- stopped lunch and rolled the rest of the way into town solo. As we got closer to Las Cruces, we started seeing huge groves of pecan trees...that soon gave way to Las Cruces' sprawl! Craig and I met up with Chip again for a quick stop at the DQ for milkshakes...man, it was hot today!
The hotel had a margarita reception for us...then Chip and I walked over to the Old Town section of Las Cruces. Reminded me of St. Augustine...with plenty of cheesy tourist shops...and heat!
Tomorrow we roll for the final time....Las Cruces to El Paso! I'm fortunate to have a welcoming committee when I get into El Paso tomorrow in my mother & sister-in-law. It will be great to see them! It's only 65 miles...so I hope I'm not too sweaty & stinky! To be honest, Craig, Chip and I were ready to just keep riding on to El Paso today!
Some may say it's the internet, television, radio, or even the thermos...I now believe "this" (the motel waffle machine) is man's greatest invention!
rollin' towards Las Cruces
the Rio Grande River...not very exciting!
we rolled in to Hatch,NM just as the kitchen van was passing us. The speed goes from 45 to 30 and Mr. Sheriff was at the ready to make his quota. Fortunately, he only gave them a warning. We were really worried it would slow them enough we'd miss lunch!! The humanity!!!
did I tell you it was hot today?
Craig rolling thru the pecan groves
The Old Town Square in Las Cruces
somehow...I don't think Billy would be proud of the fact they sell fudge and t-shirts in "his" store. He was more a bullets and whiskey guy!
business must not be so good...lot's of store are closed down.
"Sucker Punch Sally's"?
The Organ Mountains that loom over Las Cruces from the east.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Thursday night in TorC
OK....there is very little to do in T or C, NM! I finished the ride...took a dip in the pool...called Katie...and got a shower! It took us about 1/2 an hour to crash the internet access in the hotel (which we do every night..in every hotel). So I occupied myself in the time before dinner with creating the one sign we've dreamed of seeing! I bring you....."Cow on cheese"!
After dinner it was off to the Grand Opening of the Super WalMart. An event we could not miss! Mostly, it looked like people from the surrounding areas...milling about the monstrous produce section with that : "what the heck is that thing?" look on their faces.
Our dinner got off to an odd start as the salsa was frozen solid! The rest of the meal was pretty good.
The Cochina Skewer....smothered in the local green chile sauce that was fabulous!
The internet access deal is getting pretty funny. If I don't go straight from the bike to the blog...you have to wait until late at night or early the next morning to get the report. I counted 18 computers in the "computer bin" this morning...that's a lot of data coming in and out over a Super8's DSL. Joel gave up today and walked over to the Comfort Inn to poach their wireless.
Usually, it's some kid behind the front desk who has to call the Manager back to reset the server. Glad I could get out again...it's 8:30PM! Off to Los Cruces,NM in the morning. Hoping for a tailwind!
After dinner it was off to the Grand Opening of the Super WalMart. An event we could not miss! Mostly, it looked like people from the surrounding areas...milling about the monstrous produce section with that : "what the heck is that thing?" look on their faces.
Our dinner got off to an odd start as the salsa was frozen solid! The rest of the meal was pretty good.
The Cochina Skewer....smothered in the local green chile sauce that was fabulous!
The internet access deal is getting pretty funny. If I don't go straight from the bike to the blog...you have to wait until late at night or early the next morning to get the report. I counted 18 computers in the "computer bin" this morning...that's a lot of data coming in and out over a Super8's DSL. Joel gave up today and walked over to the Comfort Inn to poach their wireless.
Usually, it's some kid behind the front desk who has to call the Manager back to reset the server. Glad I could get out again...it's 8:30PM! Off to Los Cruces,NM in the morning. Hoping for a tailwind!
Day 17 Socorro,NM to Truth or Consequences,NM 77 miles 2700' climbing
Today was Day 2 of Team Time-trial! We hadn't planned to go hard again today, but there was a threat of rain and it was pretty hot in the sun by 7:30A. The route today was very lightly traveled frontage road that paralleled I-25...for the entire 77 miles. I think 3 cars passed us all day! We knew there'd by zero shade and the road was recently chip/sealed...nice and black to radiate heat! It started as Chip,Craig and I. We picked up Matt about 2 miles in...and then Joel jumped onto "Team Time-Trial flight #75" bound for Truth or Consequences (TOC). 77 miles seems like nothing at this point....but the route today was a long series of rolling hills. It was a very hard interval workout and began to wear on all of us. You'd roll down a hill for 30 seconds and then climb for 2 minutes....rinse and repeat about 100 times! At Rest #1, (35 miles) Joel said he'd had enough. Craig, (still not 100%) managed to hang on for about 10 more miles. Then it was just Chip, Matt and I...and by the lunch SAG (which was not yet setup) I was starting to fade! We only had 10 miles to go to TOC, so we filled water bottles (and I snuck a big bowl of pudding) and set off. It was pretty easy to keep a well-disciplined paceline today because we had mile posts to mark our efforts. You pull for a mile and then drift to the back to rest. My thermometer registered 102 at the lunch SAG....we were glad to be done so early. We had lunch at the TOC Denny's...and then I rolled down the hill into the town of TOC. Or, what's left of any semblance of a town. Ironically, today was the Grand Opening of the new WalMart. Guaranteed to be the final nail in the coffin of whatever businesses are left in the downtown area. Pretty sad! This was our first outdoor motel pool, so most everyone took advantage of it! The tan lines have really gotten out of control!
I needed to change up my riding and today was the perfect workout! After 3 weeks of long steady efforts it was time to throw in some really hard interval efforts. I can really feel the last 3 weeks of power in my legs.
Only 2 more days of riding and I'll be in El Paso! It has really gone by fast!
I take a lot of grief for the large quantities of food I consume. Now it's my turn! Last night as we sat down for dinner, I turn to Lil and Raymond at the next table and asked what they were having (it looked really good). A few minutes later, I heard them both order a second helping. A few moments later, the waitress showed up with two dessert pizzas. Please let the record reflect: I only had one entree, one beer and one salad! Well, I had a milkshake and a Whopper before dinner...but that doesn't count..does it?
back out into the prairielands of New Mexico
the early version of today's Team Time-trial...Joel Matt & Craig.
today's infinity road...
trust me...the restaurant looked as grungy as this pump! They'd have had to "pay" me $100 to eat there!
Matt, making what may be the very last withdrawal from the First Gravitational Bank of New Mexico...I think it's pretty flat from here to El Paso!
Chip pushing me up the big climb out of the canyon!
New Mexico grasslands
NM 181 heading south towards TOC. Yes, 12 miles of totally straight blacktop warmed to an uncomfortable 102 degrees!
We had another 3 mile section on I-25 today. Basically, bomb the downhill (background) and then dig your way up the other side. That deposited us back onto NM 181 and the rollers...for the remaining 15 miles into town.
I needed to change up my riding and today was the perfect workout! After 3 weeks of long steady efforts it was time to throw in some really hard interval efforts. I can really feel the last 3 weeks of power in my legs.
Only 2 more days of riding and I'll be in El Paso! It has really gone by fast!
I take a lot of grief for the large quantities of food I consume. Now it's my turn! Last night as we sat down for dinner, I turn to Lil and Raymond at the next table and asked what they were having (it looked really good). A few minutes later, I heard them both order a second helping. A few moments later, the waitress showed up with two dessert pizzas. Please let the record reflect: I only had one entree, one beer and one salad! Well, I had a milkshake and a Whopper before dinner...but that doesn't count..does it?
back out into the prairielands of New Mexico
the early version of today's Team Time-trial...Joel Matt & Craig.
today's infinity road...
trust me...the restaurant looked as grungy as this pump! They'd have had to "pay" me $100 to eat there!
Matt, making what may be the very last withdrawal from the First Gravitational Bank of New Mexico...I think it's pretty flat from here to El Paso!
Chip pushing me up the big climb out of the canyon!
New Mexico grasslands
NM 181 heading south towards TOC. Yes, 12 miles of totally straight blacktop warmed to an uncomfortable 102 degrees!
We had another 3 mile section on I-25 today. Basically, bomb the downhill (background) and then dig your way up the other side. That deposited us back onto NM 181 and the rollers...for the remaining 15 miles into town.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Day 16 Moriarty,NM to Socorro,NM 112* miles 2500' climbing
Woke up to an amazing sunrise in Moriarty! It was the only thing 'beautiful" in that town/truck stop. We rolled out early with the intention of making short work of the 119* miles down to Socorro (*note the discrepancy between the published mileage and our final mileage for the day!). Today's route was relatively flat...with only 2500' of climbing. The first section was rolling hills and wide-open farm land. Craig, Chip and I went into Team Time-trial mode early. We were a good 3 miles off the front by Rest #1...and another mile or two further off the front by Rest #2 just on the outskirts of Mountainaire,NM. Unfortunately, about a mile past the stop we were held up (again) by road work. The signalman had already been informed to hold us until we were all together for an escort. We had worked our butts off to get out in front...we weren't thrilled to have to wait...and then get caught by the group. It was a tortuous wait of close to 40 minutes. We decided that if the State of New Mexico was going to take away our advantage...the State of New Mexico should help reinstate our lead! We noticed a Torrence County Outreach van with 3 school teachers aboard and sent Mr. Charisma (Chip) up to ask for a lift thru the road work site. We piled in just as the entire group rolled up next to the bus. I blew them all kisses as we rolled off down the road. The ladies dropped us almost exactly were we would have been had we not been held up. Plus, it was really fun talking with them. This area is extremely rural! They have to drive 35-50 miles to pick up some of the kids they teach. And, most these kids are very poor. Thanks for the lift ladies!
The route after lunch dropped down onto the vast New Mexico plains. We had a 14 miles section on I-25 that was covered in debris with plenty of the dreaded "gummies"! "Gummies" are cracks in the road that the DOT has filled with a sort of rubberized caulk. The problem is when the temperature is over 100 (as it was today) the "gummies" get really soft. If you aren't careful they can be very dangerous! After the interstate we toured the backroads into Socorro...not very attractive! I flatted from a steel-belted radial wire I'd picked up on the I-25 leg. We were glad to have the day behind us. Straight to BK for a milkshake...all is good!
Last night's dinner of Steak and Enchiladas. We fight like wild dogs over the sopapilla's and honey!
I had to find a way to use the word "beautiful" and "Moriarty,NM" in the same sentence!
"da da dada da...da da!! Greeeeen Acres is the place to be. Faaarm livin' is the life for me" Land spreadin' out so far and wide...keep Manhattan just give me that country side"!
"Hello, Prudential...I'd like to see that 5 billion acres of completely treeless prairie land you have listed outside beautiful Moriarty New Mexico!"
probably looked like this 100 years ago!
Team Time Trial...screaming across the prairie!
rolling towards Mountainaire,NM
the vast nothingness of the prairie
Craig, Chip and me...taking the bus!
The Outreach ladies! Thanks for the lift!
dropping down into the plains of New Mexico
rollin' towards Socorro
last week...out of boredom...I started dragging my camera thru the wildflowers. Today, I drug it thru the wheat-like grasses.
Trying to stay in touch with my creativity!
Cow? I didn't see a thing for 20 miles!
today's team time-trial participants...Craig & Chip.
folks out here in the west tend to save everything they've ever owned! Desert dwellers are a little odd.
this road is actually part of the river. When it rains this section is completely under water. They just come thru and scrape away the mud...and the road is back in business. Glad it was dry today!
NM 408...not the most scenic road we've traveled!
The route after lunch dropped down onto the vast New Mexico plains. We had a 14 miles section on I-25 that was covered in debris with plenty of the dreaded "gummies"! "Gummies" are cracks in the road that the DOT has filled with a sort of rubberized caulk. The problem is when the temperature is over 100 (as it was today) the "gummies" get really soft. If you aren't careful they can be very dangerous! After the interstate we toured the backroads into Socorro...not very attractive! I flatted from a steel-belted radial wire I'd picked up on the I-25 leg. We were glad to have the day behind us. Straight to BK for a milkshake...all is good!
Last night's dinner of Steak and Enchiladas. We fight like wild dogs over the sopapilla's and honey!
I had to find a way to use the word "beautiful" and "Moriarty,NM" in the same sentence!
"da da dada da...da da!! Greeeeen Acres is the place to be. Faaarm livin' is the life for me" Land spreadin' out so far and wide...keep Manhattan just give me that country side"!
"Hello, Prudential...I'd like to see that 5 billion acres of completely treeless prairie land you have listed outside beautiful Moriarty New Mexico!"
probably looked like this 100 years ago!
Team Time Trial...screaming across the prairie!
rolling towards Mountainaire,NM
the vast nothingness of the prairie
Craig, Chip and me...taking the bus!
The Outreach ladies! Thanks for the lift!
dropping down into the plains of New Mexico
rollin' towards Socorro
last week...out of boredom...I started dragging my camera thru the wildflowers. Today, I drug it thru the wheat-like grasses.
Trying to stay in touch with my creativity!
Cow? I didn't see a thing for 20 miles!
today's team time-trial participants...Craig & Chip.
folks out here in the west tend to save everything they've ever owned! Desert dwellers are a little odd.
this road is actually part of the river. When it rains this section is completely under water. They just come thru and scrape away the mud...and the road is back in business. Glad it was dry today!
NM 408...not the most scenic road we've traveled!
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