Monday Evening 18 September
Day 9
Today was hard. Only 105 miles, but over 6000 feet of climbing through the mountains of New Mexico. But oh, what a beautiful ride! Long straight gentle climbs through horse pastures into Lincoln County, home of Billy the Kid. A fast descent into lunch, then steeper climbs on winding roads into the Sierra Blanca mountains. Everyone’s legs were trashed.
Seattle Gary and Stig Man caught me on a fast downhill just before lunch. I tried to sit in the back like a slacker, but Gary waved me around and we all took turns rotating through an echelon. On the last few climbs into Ruidoso, Maitland Ian caught me and we rode together. Amazing how that guy can climb after training on 30 foot hills in Florida.
Also, a full day of climbing provide a great test for my platform pedals. I’m liking them a lot.
