Rodeo - Columbus, NM
Daily Route
Daily Elevation
Our cabin was really nice, although the bed wasn’t the most comfortable. Patrick is coming to get us around 7:15 AM, so we all woke around 6 AM. The shower last night was awesome, so I had to shower again. Right on schedule Patrick arrived and we got to the RV park around 7:30 AM. The plan is to hit the road by 8 AM since we have 90 miles to cover today. That leaves me 30 minutes to eat breakfast, put air in the tires, use the bathroom one more time, apply bag balm (butt salve to avoid saddle sores), apply sunscreen, and saddle up. Needless to say, it took Tim and I a bit longer than 30 minutes, so the rest of the group left us behind (sad face). No worries since when we hit the road in the morning, everyone takes it easy for the first 30 minutes or so, so we were able to catch up pretty quickly.
Beautiful morning to ride
The first break planned for today is Animas, 15 miles into the ride. This is the first and only town with provisions for the day. The rest of the stops will just be roadside stops by ourselves, or supported by Patrick. Everything was going great until it was Bill and Mel’s turn to get a flat. I stayed behind while the others went the 1.5 miles further to Animas. Luckily it was a front tire which is easier to change.
We were back on the road within 10 minutes. When we arrived at Animas, the rest were still there enjoying their first break.
Taking a break at Valley Mercantile in Animus, New Mexico
Shortly after leaving Animas we crossed the Continental Divide. This means that it is all down hill from here…right?!?
 Tim, Bill, and Gerri at the Continental Divide |  Not the best group shot. |
Since we have a long day today, we quickly ate a small snack and we were on our way. The next stop will be in 15 miles (30 mile point) where we will just pull off somewhere and have another quick snack on our own. Tim was in the lead and found a nice place with strategically placed tractor tires the we used for picnic benches.
Using the most of what we find on the side of the road
As we were finishing up, Patrick pulled up to make sure all was OK and then went on the mile 45 where our lunch break with him was planned.
Bill riding to the next rest stop
As we were riding we noticed a sign that says "Bike Ranch" and had to stop and see what it is. This reminds me of some of the places I saw on the Pacific Crest Trail while backpacking. Pretty much a friendly spot for cyclist to stop for the night.
Bike Ranch
And…just as planned….there was Patrick waiting for us 15 miles further at mile 45 on the side of New Mexico Route 9 in Hachita which is pretty much a ghost town.
Our Hachita rest stop with Patrick's support
With half of the ride done, the plan is for Patrick to meet us 20 miles down the road and then we will finish up the ride with a 25 mile push.
As soon as we got on the road the tailwind increased and we were flying. I hit mile 50 and decided to see if I could maintain at least 20 miles per hour for the next mile. After easily reaching that goal, I kept going, and with the help of the terrain and the tailwind, I was able to maintain at least 20 miles per hour for the next 6 miles. What an awesome day. In just over 1 hour we reached Patrick 20 miles down the road.
Everyone had a quick break and then we hit the road for the last 25 mile push. The tailwind continued and we all enjoyed being blown into today’s destination of the small town of Columbus, New Mexico. We covered 90 miles in 7.5 hours including breaks. Not too bad.
We set up our tent, took showers, relaxed a bit, ate dinner (Korean beef and leftover vegan stew), watched the first half of Casablanca, and retreated to our tents around 9 PM. Did I mention that tomorrow is a zero day? I am really looking forward to hanging out at the campground and relaxing all day. We may drive the 2 miles to the Mexican border to check it out, and we may walk to the restaurant across the street for pizza for lunch, and we may drive the 30 minutes to Deming, NM to shop for groceries. One thing we will not be doing to riding our bicycles. Another thing we will not be doing is setting an alarm. So, goodnight for now…until tomorrow.
Everyone had a quick break and then we hit the road for the last 25 mile push. The tailwind continued and we all enjoyed being blown into today’s destination of the small town of Columbus, New Mexico. We covered 90 miles in 7.5 hours including breaks. Not too bad.
We set up our tent, took showers, relaxed a bit, ate dinner (Korean beef and leftover vegan stew), watched the first half of Casablanca, and retreated to our tents around 9 PM. Did I mention that tomorrow is a zero day? I am really looking forward to hanging out at the campground and relaxing all day. We may drive the 2 miles to the Mexican border to check it out, and we may walk to the restaurant across the street for pizza for lunch, and we may drive the 30 minutes to Deming, NM to shop for groceries. One thing we will not be doing to riding our bicycles. Another thing we will not be doing is setting an alarm. So, goodnight for now…until tomorrow.
Sunset over our camp (courtesy of Mary)
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