Showing posts with label NM. Show all posts
Showing posts with label NM. Show all posts
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Wordless Wednesday: In Memoriam
It's sad to see these roadside memorials. The one under the tree was for a motorcyclist east of Salome, AZ. The bicycle shrine was west of Silver City, NM. Apparently, Dan Potts was killed on his bike when he was 61 years old. We continue to pray and ask for prayers for safety for our 17 cyclists!
Monday, March 21, 2011
According to Katherine: Day 17 Recap
What a perfect Sunday! I've never thought I could do my worship outside of church, but this was truly a sacred and holy day.
When we left Las Cruces, NM at 8:00 a.m., it was 41 degrees and very cold. The road and the ride leader were perfect. I thought she slowed her pace to accommodate me, but she said going faster would have made us even colder.
We rode by acres of bright green chili plants, and more acres of pecan orchards. All the orchards looked like they had been thoroughly vacuumed under and around every tree. We saw cotton fields, vineyards, dairy farms, and some mighty gorgeous horses. There were lots of cyclists out too, all going the opposite direction.
My roommate, Marge, in the cowboy hat, was our SAG today. Dianne and Eva, pictured with her, were my riding companions.
We entered the great state of Texas around 11:00 a.m. I had arranged to meet an old and dear Army friend, Paul Parks, at a bike shop at mile 52. I was there before 12:30. We really are getting stronger and faster! He took me to see the handsome UTEP campus, and the impressive Sun Bowl stadium. It's amazing to see the shabby and meager structures of Ciudad Juarez right across the Rio Grande. I enjoyed a Mexican omelet with Paul, and then got busy doing our laundry and soaking in an epsom salts bath before dinner.
Breakfast was oatmeal and yogurt. Dinner was a variation on tamale pie, Spanish rice, salad, and gorgeous fresh fruit with creme anglaise. I ate very small portions, because I didn't feel like I burned many calories.
This perfect day came to a close with a vivid sunset, showcased by the twinkling lights of a sprawling El Paso. 849 miles behind us. 2,251 to pedal. 41 days to go.
When we left Las Cruces, NM at 8:00 a.m., it was 41 degrees and very cold. The road and the ride leader were perfect. I thought she slowed her pace to accommodate me, but she said going faster would have made us even colder.
We rode by acres of bright green chili plants, and more acres of pecan orchards. All the orchards looked like they had been thoroughly vacuumed under and around every tree. We saw cotton fields, vineyards, dairy farms, and some mighty gorgeous horses. There were lots of cyclists out too, all going the opposite direction.
My roommate, Marge, in the cowboy hat, was our SAG today. Dianne and Eva, pictured with her, were my riding companions.
We entered the great state of Texas around 11:00 a.m. I had arranged to meet an old and dear Army friend, Paul Parks, at a bike shop at mile 52. I was there before 12:30. We really are getting stronger and faster! He took me to see the handsome UTEP campus, and the impressive Sun Bowl stadium. It's amazing to see the shabby and meager structures of Ciudad Juarez right across the Rio Grande. I enjoyed a Mexican omelet with Paul, and then got busy doing our laundry and soaking in an epsom salts bath before dinner.
Breakfast was oatmeal and yogurt. Dinner was a variation on tamale pie, Spanish rice, salad, and gorgeous fresh fruit with creme anglaise. I ate very small portions, because I didn't feel like I burned many calories.
This perfect day came to a close with a vivid sunset, showcased by the twinkling lights of a sprawling El Paso. 849 miles behind us. 2,251 to pedal. 41 days to go.
According to Katherine: Day 16 Recap
We cycled out of Kingston a little after 8:00 a.m. It was a brisk 47 degrees.
We had 9.5 miles of down hill, and then 3.5 miles climbing, followed by a lovely flat stretch with a tail wind. I was confident we would cycle the entire 88 miles into Las Cruces.
At 26.5 miles, we encountered relentless head and cross winds that slowed us, sometimes to five miles per hour. The flag standing straight out tells the story best.
We crossed the Rio Grande several times. We cycled through the Village of Hatch where chilis are grown on huge farms. We also saw countless pecan orchards.
We finally caught a ride in the SAG Wagon after 70.2 miles, which was a personal best for Marge and me! The longest we had previously ridden was the 70 miles on my 70th birthday.
I started the day with scrambled eggs and Stonyfield yogurt. Lunch was the usual PB&J on the side of the road. I was extra attentive to hydration and electrolyte replacement, because of the wind and the heat, with lots of water, energy drink, Endurolytes, Hammer Gel and Recoverite at the end of the ride.
Dinner in the motel parking lot by our talented chef was pasta salad, spinach salad, a grilled sockeye salmon basted with chipotle sauce. I had a tiny sliver of custard pie with fresh raspberries.
782.5 miles behind us. 2317.5 miles to pedal. 42 days to go.
We had 9.5 miles of down hill, and then 3.5 miles climbing, followed by a lovely flat stretch with a tail wind. I was confident we would cycle the entire 88 miles into Las Cruces.
At 26.5 miles, we encountered relentless head and cross winds that slowed us, sometimes to five miles per hour. The flag standing straight out tells the story best.
We crossed the Rio Grande several times. We cycled through the Village of Hatch where chilis are grown on huge farms. We also saw countless pecan orchards.
We finally caught a ride in the SAG Wagon after 70.2 miles, which was a personal best for Marge and me! The longest we had previously ridden was the 70 miles on my 70th birthday.
I started the day with scrambled eggs and Stonyfield yogurt. Lunch was the usual PB&J on the side of the road. I was extra attentive to hydration and electrolyte replacement, because of the wind and the heat, with lots of water, energy drink, Endurolytes, Hammer Gel and Recoverite at the end of the ride.
Dinner in the motel parking lot by our talented chef was pasta salad, spinach salad, a grilled sockeye salmon basted with chipotle sauce. I had a tiny sliver of custard pie with fresh raspberries.
782.5 miles behind us. 2317.5 miles to pedal. 42 days to go.
According to Katherine: Day 15 Recap
It was 37 degrees when everyone headed off just before 8:00 a.m. for an-all day climb to the top of Emory Pass. I was so pumped after Tuesday's successful climb out of Lordsburg that I was ready for this one.
However, today I'm driving the SAG Wagon to support the valiant efforts of our riders. It's like eating an elephant -- one bite at a time. Some are stopping often to take pictures. Some are stopping every 15 minutes to breathe, and give their legs a minute to recover.
At an average speed of 3.5 to six miles per hour, these 40.4 miles take a long time to ascend! The eight-mile down hill requires technical expertise I don't have yet. A couple of the women chose not to do it, and I was delighted to drive them down.
The scenery today was spectacular! The smell of the pines was refreshing.
The Black Range Inn where we stayed was as unusual as any B&B I've ever visited.
Our proprietor served turkey, dressing, fresh broccoli, and warm freshly baked bread. She had delicious store-bought vegetarian tamales for Lisa and me.
We slept fitfully in our bunk beds! 694.5 miles behind us. 2,405.5 to pedal. 43 days to go.
At an average speed of 3.5 to six miles per hour, these 40.4 miles take a long time to ascend! The eight-mile down hill requires technical expertise I don't have yet. A couple of the women chose not to do it, and I was delighted to drive them down.
The scenery today was spectacular! The smell of the pines was refreshing.
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| 8200 foot elevation. Absolutely breathtaking. |
The Black Range Inn where we stayed was as unusual as any B&B I've ever visited.
Our proprietor served turkey, dressing, fresh broccoli, and warm freshly baked bread. She had delicious store-bought vegetarian tamales for Lisa and me.
We slept fitfully in our bunk beds! 694.5 miles behind us. 2,405.5 to pedal. 43 days to go.
Friday, March 18, 2011
According to Katherine: Day 14 Recap
Day 14 involved much-needed R&R. We slept until 6:45. ;-)
After breakfast, we cleaned the SAG Wagon. While others cleaned their bikes like we all have been encouraged to do, we strolled downtown to Gila Hike & Bike, where we left our bikes for repair last night. We'll never tell our fellow cyclists, but we paid the nice guys there to clean our bikes. It was a lovely, small price to pay! They look fine, and ride perfectly.
We had fish tacos at a trendy little restaurant, and I went for a manicure and pedicure. We did all our laundry, and figured out how to get groceries back to the motel without baskets on our bikes.
The big distraction of the day was a stop at the wellness center on the way to town. The scales reported Marge has gained four pounds, and I have gained six, so those who have expressed concern about my caloric intake can give it up! No more morning waffle, and absolutely no more dessert for me.
The best news of the day came from Karen Kennedy-Evans, who called to say that the Tucson WOC nurses are donating $1,000 to Cycling for Scholarships! I hope this will inspire all the other Regions & Affiliates. It's certainly given new power to my pedal for the days ahead!
After breakfast, we cleaned the SAG Wagon. While others cleaned their bikes like we all have been encouraged to do, we strolled downtown to Gila Hike & Bike, where we left our bikes for repair last night. We'll never tell our fellow cyclists, but we paid the nice guys there to clean our bikes. It was a lovely, small price to pay! They look fine, and ride perfectly.
We had fish tacos at a trendy little restaurant, and I went for a manicure and pedicure. We did all our laundry, and figured out how to get groceries back to the motel without baskets on our bikes.
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| We enjoyed table service and fish tacos at this trendy little restaurant in Silver City. Sure beats PB&J standing on the side of a busy highway! |
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| A nice treat for tired legs and feet! |
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Getting the groceries home without a basket on your bike requires creativity. |
The big distraction of the day was a stop at the wellness center on the way to town. The scales reported Marge has gained four pounds, and I have gained six, so those who have expressed concern about my caloric intake can give it up! No more morning waffle, and absolutely no more dessert for me.
The best news of the day came from Karen Kennedy-Evans, who called to say that the Tucson WOC nurses are donating $1,000 to Cycling for Scholarships! I hope this will inspire all the other Regions & Affiliates. It's certainly given new power to my pedal for the days ahead!
According to Katherine: Baker's Dozen "Crumbs"
In the exhaustion and exhilaration of Wednesday's accomplishments I failed to mention, in my day 13 recap, a most notable early morning event.
There were many people at the motel in Lordsburg who were fascinated by our trip. They all asked lots of questions, and wished us luck and safe travel. One woman, named Jody, who lives in Carlsbad, NM, asked first thing if this were a charity ride. Kathy Texiera, who is riding for MS, and I were the first to say "yes." Jody pressed a bill in Kathy's hand.
Last night, Kathy handed me a $50 bill and said, "I thought our charities should split her generous contribution." So...when you're in Carlsbad, go to Happy's Restaurant and say thank you to the owner, who was with generous Jody!
There were many people at the motel in Lordsburg who were fascinated by our trip. They all asked lots of questions, and wished us luck and safe travel. One woman, named Jody, who lives in Carlsbad, NM, asked first thing if this were a charity ride. Kathy Texiera, who is riding for MS, and I were the first to say "yes." Jody pressed a bill in Kathy's hand.
Last night, Kathy handed me a $50 bill and said, "I thought our charities should split her generous contribution." So...when you're in Carlsbad, go to Happy's Restaurant and say thank you to the owner, who was with generous Jody!
Thursday, March 17, 2011
According to Katherine: Day 13 Recap
Today was our first day of daylight saving time -- barely light at 7:30 a.m! It was a very cold (37 degrees), so we had numerous layers on when we started. With the exception of my 70th birthday ride with family, close friends and fundraisers, this had to have been the most exciting riding day I've ever had!
We climbed 26 miles out of Lordsburg, NM to the Continental Divide at 6,355 feet.
There were 20.6 more miles of some big downs, and seemingly-longer ups, for a total of 46.6 miles to the Comfort Inn in Silver City. That ride took us 7.5 hours, but we finished strong.
The weather was cool, never over 66 degrees. The winds were not at our backs, but they were never too bad.
I ate two hard boiled eggs, and a bowl of oatmeal for breakfast. Every 10 miles, we stopped to replenish with nuts, part of an energy bar, energy drink, Hammer Gel and Endurolytes. Once we got settled into the room, we rode 1.3 miles into town to get my bike gears worked on, and Marge's problems with her cleats and pedals sorted out, at the Gila Hike & Bike Shop. That meant we had to walk 1.3 miles back uphill to the motel, since we left our bikes at the shop.
When Linda served our dinner, I replaced the calories I burned with one serving of a delicious spinach salad, filled with lots of healthy fruits, and two helpings of delectable beans & cabbage (the vegetarian alternative to corned beef & cabbage) and bread pudding. Let me assure you, they were manly servings, too!
When I took a shower, I noticed there were four or five interesting new black, blotchy spots on both legs. I don't know if it's grease from my bicycle chain, new varicosities, or bruises from the fall the other day! I've already had a wonderfully reassuring consult from my beloved brother about the right hand numbness and the left Achilles tendon tightness, so I'll not bother him about this curiosity.
646.1 miles, and two states behind us. 2453.9 miles to pedal. 45 days to go. Thank you ALL for making this epic journey with me!
We climbed 26 miles out of Lordsburg, NM to the Continental Divide at 6,355 feet.
There were 20.6 more miles of some big downs, and seemingly-longer ups, for a total of 46.6 miles to the Comfort Inn in Silver City. That ride took us 7.5 hours, but we finished strong.
The weather was cool, never over 66 degrees. The winds were not at our backs, but they were never too bad.
I ate two hard boiled eggs, and a bowl of oatmeal for breakfast. Every 10 miles, we stopped to replenish with nuts, part of an energy bar, energy drink, Hammer Gel and Endurolytes. Once we got settled into the room, we rode 1.3 miles into town to get my bike gears worked on, and Marge's problems with her cleats and pedals sorted out, at the Gila Hike & Bike Shop. That meant we had to walk 1.3 miles back uphill to the motel, since we left our bikes at the shop.
When Linda served our dinner, I replaced the calories I burned with one serving of a delicious spinach salad, filled with lots of healthy fruits, and two helpings of delectable beans & cabbage (the vegetarian alternative to corned beef & cabbage) and bread pudding. Let me assure you, they were manly servings, too!
When I took a shower, I noticed there were four or five interesting new black, blotchy spots on both legs. I don't know if it's grease from my bicycle chain, new varicosities, or bruises from the fall the other day! I've already had a wonderfully reassuring consult from my beloved brother about the right hand numbness and the left Achilles tendon tightness, so I'll not bother him about this curiosity.
646.1 miles, and two states behind us. 2453.9 miles to pedal. 45 days to go. Thank you ALL for making this epic journey with me!
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
According to Katherine: Day 12 Recap
Another beautiful morning in the desert. All the riders took off a little after 7:00 a.m. for a long day.
I crossed into New Mexico about noon, which then became 1:00 p.m., because New Mexico uses daylight saving time and Arizona doesn't.
The road was an imperceptible uphill, with slight head winds, most of the day.
I splurged, and had a waffle with no butter, and an ounce or two of syrup, in addition to two hard boiled eggs for breakfast. Lunch was the usual PB&J. Dinner was chicken curry for those who do, and tofu curry for the two of us who don't! With it we had rice, steamed broccoli and cantaloupe. I declined the macaroons at dessert, but had two fig newtons with my evening decaf.
Most of the group is flagging, lagging and sagging. Our rest day on Thursday will be such a relief!
Tonight's sunset was a vivid kaleidoscope of pinks, blues and silver in a 360-degree panorama -- breathtaking! 599.5 miles behind us; 2,500.5 miles to pedal. 46 days to go.
I crossed into New Mexico about noon, which then became 1:00 p.m., because New Mexico uses daylight saving time and Arizona doesn't.
The road was an imperceptible uphill, with slight head winds, most of the day.
I splurged, and had a waffle with no butter, and an ounce or two of syrup, in addition to two hard boiled eggs for breakfast. Lunch was the usual PB&J. Dinner was chicken curry for those who do, and tofu curry for the two of us who don't! With it we had rice, steamed broccoli and cantaloupe. I declined the macaroons at dessert, but had two fig newtons with my evening decaf.
Most of the group is flagging, lagging and sagging. Our rest day on Thursday will be such a relief!
Tonight's sunset was a vivid kaleidoscope of pinks, blues and silver in a 360-degree panorama -- breathtaking! 599.5 miles behind us; 2,500.5 miles to pedal. 46 days to go.
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