Day 17: Taos, NM to Raton, NM - September 28, 2008

Trek Travel Group 2008 09 30_1705, originally uploaded by rhanke.

Miles: 95 Miles
Ride Time: 5 hours 48 minutes
Avg. Speed: 16.5 Mph
Total Climbing: 5146 feet
Work: 3048 kJ

Yesterday we were joined by a new rider who will join us for the rest of the trip. Archie was suppose to start in Santa Barbara but had some business he had to attend to and could not join until now. Archie is also from Colorado and knows 3 of our riders well.

This morning we had five us on the pace line out of Taos. Both Big Wave and I had decided to ride with the three Colorado boys. Archie had gone ahead with the others since he did not feel ready to join the pace line yet. The Kit Carson Road out of Taos was narrow but it did not have much traffic on it. It was a beautiful climb going threw a valley lined with pine trees and the occasion Aspen tree.

We reached the top of the pass, 9101 feet, after 18 miles. We posed for a group photo before starting the decent to Eagles Nest. Eagles Nest was also scenic since it was this huge pasture surrounded by mountains. It also had a large lake in the middle. We then had a small climb to get to Cimarron Canyon which had just an awesome decent to the prairies leading to Raton.

Cimarron Canyon was just as gorgeous as any other landscape we had seen in the past few days. Once in the prairies we saw all types of animals, antelope, bison, cattle and horses. At one point a group of horses raced us until they ran out of field because of a fence. The cattle would always turn their heads and look as we passed by. I guess they don’t see a bunch of bicycles every day.

We had a run of bad luck as three of us had flats. It was funny that we would pass Buzz, Bones and Sparky and then we would have a flat and then they would pass us. Only for us to pass them again once our flats were fixed. By the third time we had run out of time to catch Sparky and he finished first for the day.

We know it is not a race but once and a while we like to compete with each other and have bragging rights at dinner. As Hollywood always says, “Never let the facts get in the way of a good story”.

All in all it was another beautiful day in America.

Today’s photos at Flickr.

All Cross Country Photo sets at Flickr

Day 16: Taos, NM Rest day - September 28, 2008

peppers 2008 09 29_1673, originally uploaded by rhanke.

Today was our second rest day of our 40 day trip. Taos is a nice little western town with an artist community located here. Around the over 400 year old town square are galleries and artist studios. Our hotel is located on the square and my room and balcony overlooks it. I watched people do Tai-chi this morning while I read the paper and drank my Starbucks coffee.

I was thinking of going for a little ride but Taos is not bike friendly. Most of the roads have no shoulder and the drivers don’t seem to keen to share. Durango and Santa Barbara were much better to ride in.

Weather was nice so I walked around and took some photos. It was relaxing not to have the news on. What is happening to the world? The $700 billion rescue plan for the banks gets rejected. This is great time to ride and not have to think about this mess.

Day 15: Pagosa Springs, CO to Taos, NM - September 28, 2008

Greg and Gary at the Rio Grand River Gorge - 2008 09 28_1663, originally uploaded by rhanke.

Miles: 141 Miles
Ride Time: 8 hours 45 minutes
Avg. Speed: 16.5 Mph
Total Climbing: 8743 feet
Work: 4697 kJ

It was the best of times it was the worst of times. Today was the longest ride on our Trek Travel Cross country trip, 140 miles. This was going to be my longest ride ever. Up to this point my longest was 126 miles so this would be about 15 miles longer.

The day started early as we rode out at 6am to go to breakfast. The sun had not even come out so we rode a quarter mile to an old Victorian home set up for breakfast. We then on the road at 6:45 just as it was starting to get light. Sunrise would still be another half an hour away. A cold 38 degrees required long finger gloves and an additional layer.

I was still cold but the Colorado boys passed by after about 2 miles and I jumped onto their train. They always form a pace line and ride fast.

The ride out of Colorado to New Mexico on Highway 84 was beautiful. The valley had ranches with lots of cattle and horses and the mountain sides started to have Aspen trees that had changed to golden yellow. After crossing into New Mexico the Aspen trees become more numerous. I had never thought that New Mexico would be so lush. I always thought it would be like Arizona.

We had lunch in Chama, another great picnic lunch. We took 84 south of Chama and then turned onto East 64 towards Taos. Again the Aspen trees colored the mountain hill sides. At mile 70 we started the long climb over the pass to Taos. We climbed for 9 miles to reach 10,500 feet. As we climbed you could see the dark rain clouds gathering at the top. About a mile from the top Dave almost caught back up to me but Ricky Bobby would have none of that and I put the pedal down and raced to the top.

As we reached the top, the temperature dropped to below 40 and the skies opened up with first hail and then rain. For about 25 miles on my decent the rain continued to fall and chilled me to the bone. The only redeeming factor was that we still had some rolling hills to climb which kept the blood flowing and kept me warm. As I approached lunch number 2 it stopped raining. But you could still see the clouds coming. The Colorado boys soon rolled into lunch and we hooked up to ride into Taos.

Hollywood flatted and we stopped to assist him.

Gary continued on since he was starting to feel weak since he had been sick in Durango. We then raced to catch back up with him. The wind was now picking up but since it was coming from behind we were able to maintain speeds of 25 to 30 mph until we caught back up with Gary.

We crossed the Rio Grande River and then the road turned and the wind become a side breeze that slowed our pace to 10 mph as we had to fight the wind just to stay upright and not be blown over. We fought the wind for 10 miles before we turned right and the wind was at our backs again. We raced into Taos to get to the hotel.

What a day. We had the best landscapes, good riding, good wind at times and then the worst rain and even hail. This longest ride will definitely be remembered.

Today’s photos at Flickr.
All Photo sets at Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/rhanke/collections/72157607429548840/

Day 14: Durango, CO to Pagosa Springs, CO - September 27, 2008

Road out of Durango 2008 09 27_1557, originally uploaded by rhanke.

Miles: 62 Miles
Ride Time: 4 hours 3 minutes
Avg. Speed: 15.4 Mph
Total Climbing: 5402 feet
Work: 2217 kJ

Today was an easy ride from Durango to Pagosa Springs. We had to climb two passes with a total climb of 5402 feet. Since it snows here in Colorado they can not have the roads too steep so the climbing was not bad. Just a constant climb but Highway 9 in Saratoga is much tougher.

The weather called for rain and we were rained on for a couple miles. It did not last long and we dried out in no time as we climbed. Since the sun was blocked by the clouds for most of the way I think we were robbed of the fall colors. The Aspen trees have started to change their color.

We made it to Pagosa Springs by noon and in the afternoon I visited the Hot springs and sat in the 102 degree water. I dipped my feet into the river and felt refreshed.

Tomorrow is our longest ride of the trip, 140 miles. I will try to have a good meal tonight and a good night sleep.

Today’s photos at Flickr.
All Photo sets at Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/rhanke/collections/72157607429548840/

Day 13: Cortez, CO to Durango, CO - September 26, 2008

Durango Train 2008 09 26_1550, originally uploaded by rhanke.

Miles: 44 Miles
Ride Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
Avg. Speed: 14.1 Mph
Total Climbing: 3961 feet
Work: 1540 kJ

We are now 1000 miles into the trip. Today’s ride was an active recovery ride. We only had to ride 44 miles from Cortez to Durango. We had to go over a pass shaped like a saddle before a long decent into Durango. Since the ride was short we started relatively late, 8:15 am. It was cool so I put on my vest and arm warmers. The sky looked menacing with dark rain clouds towards the mountains. For awhile it appeared that we may dog the storm and not get wet but once I cleared the first peak it started to rain. This was the first rain on the trip and it was happening on a long decent. I kept my speed in check at 26 mph going down hill since I was riding on the shoulder and had a guardrail next to me.

Luckily the rain stopped after about two miles and I was able to warm up on the next climb. This Colorado pass was different from the other on the trip since we were surrounded by trees. At the top the pines gave way to groups of birch. It was very colorful but since the sun was still behind the clouds it left little light for photography.

At the top I met up with Bones who has stopped for a coffee at diner at the top. He was enjoying his recovery ride and taking in the changing color of the leaves. The decent into Durango was great. Colorado does a good job of keeping the shoulder clean and wide. Unlike in Arizona where it was full of junk and narrow.

We were into Durango by 11:30 and had the afternoon to explore. One of the highlights of Durango is its old steam train to Silverton. I was able to see it pull in the afternoon. Those old trains are an engineering marvel. We also saw the local high school homecoming parade.



Today’s photos at Flickr.
All Photo sets at Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/rhanke/collections/72157607429548840/

Day 12: Mexican Hat, UT to Cortez, CO - September 25, 2008

four corners 2008 09 25_1497, originally uploaded by rhanke.

Miles: 116 Miles (Route was only 101 but I visited Four Corners)
Ride Time: 7 hours 49 minutes
Avg. Speed: 14.8 Mph
Total Climbing: 5958 feet plus approximate 1000
Work: 4387 kJ

We had breakfast down at the Old Bridge Grille, located next to the San Juan River. They didn’t open until 7am so we got off to a late start. Not all the plates were as big as yesterday but Big Wave’s breakfast burrito was huge. Climbing up from the river we headed out towards the towns namesake Mexican Hat Rock. This balancing rock was hard to believe that it doesn’t fall off. If it ever does they will have to call the town Resting Hat.

The road out was similar to Monument Valley but on a smaller scale. They have the same red rocks. The morning light made them pop. It was a real treat for the eyes.

Next up was the town of Bluff with its wall of stone behind it. It is amazing when you ride next to these cliffs that the rocks don’t come crashing down.

We then entered an area of rolling hills that seemed to be spaced out every three miles. At the bottom of each hill was a cattle guard so you had to slow down at the bottom. Not fun when you have to start climbing the next one with out your momentum.

After a brief stop for the Trek Travel picnic lunch it was on to Colorado.

The landscape in Colorado was flat with sparse grass. But you could see the mountains off in the distance. Our route to Cortez was within 5 miles of the Four Corners so I decided to go for it and see where Arizona, Utah, New Mexico and Colorado come together. The guides had told me it would be hilly but it was much more hilly then what we had been climbing.

Four Corners was neat but I would not make a special trip just to see it, but if you in the neighborhood it would be worth it. Since it is on an Indian Reservation they charge you $3 to see it.

Then it was on to Cortez. It was a steady incline over the last 30 miles. With 20 miles to go we had another lunch stop. Trek Travel really does a wonderful job taking care of its riders. By this time I was hungry and ate a lot. With the food infusion I was able to knock out the last 20.

Wow, it was another day of amazing landscape. Life is good.

Today’s photos at Flickr.
All Photo sets at Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/rhanke/collections/72157607429548840/

Day 11: Tuba City, AZ to Mexican Hat, UT - September 24, 2008

Ricky Bobby Monument Valley 2008 09 24_1399, originally uploaded by rhanke.

Miles: 121 Miles (Route was only 117 but I made a wrong turn)
Ride Time: 7 hours 17 minutes
Avg. Speed: 16.7 Mph
Total Climbing: 4184 feet
Work: 4206 kJ

We had our first time change in Tuba City so we are now on Mountain Time. Since the day was going to be long, 100 miles plus, I wanted to get an early start. Also we would be riding through Monument Valley which I wanted to stop and take photos.
So by 6:45 I was on the rode. I rode with Stephanie, one of our guides, out of Tuba City to our lunch stop at mile 53.

We had a gradual incline out which I set a mild pace. The landscape was mostly small shrubs and mountain grass. We were passing through the Navajo Nation Reservation and it was hard to see how the people could make a living here. We climbed to about 6,700 feet when we had lunch.

Lunch was near a gas station were a pack of abandon dogs lived and were eyeing our lunch. Tara was so kind by buying a bag of dog food to feed them. Once feed they were content and let us eat in peace.

After lunch it was a short ride into Kayenta where we turned left on Highway 163. The landscape changed complete from the shrubs to rock and boulder outcroppings. Before you knew it we riding into Utah and Monument Valley and taking in the sights of these huge mountains with their shear cliffs. Monument Valley has been used in 100s of movies like Stagecoach and Forrest Gump and it was a thrill to ride through it.

By this time I had pulled ahead of the others in our group and used the time to think about why I ride. I believe my main reason is that riding makes all the worries and stress of life disappear and it puts me in a trance that all I have to do is turn the crank. My mantra is a cadence of 90.

The road out of Monument Valley to Mexican Hat was all down hill for the most part with the final decent having an angle of 10%.

Dinner was at the Swingin’ Steak and as its name implies; the restaurant cooked the steaks on a grill that swung back and forth over an open fire. The T-bone I had was the best and was the perfect end to a beautiful day of riding. Like yesterday, life is good.

Today’s photos at Flickr.
All Photo sets at Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/rhanke/collections/72157607429548840/

Day 10: Grand Canyon, AZ to Tuba City - September 23, 2008

Miles: 85 Miles
Ride Time: 5 hours 56 minutes
Avg. Speed: 14.3 Mph
Total Climbing: 3845 feet
Work: 2537 kJ

It was a cool 42 degrees this morning when we getting ready to head out. I put on the arm and leg warmers but by the time we ready to head out it had already warmed to 48 degrees. It warmed up fast as the sun rose in the sky. Our route out of the Grand Canyon toward the east rim had lots of pull outs for us to take a look at the Canyon. As I said in the last posting the Canyon is simply amazing and every pull out offered us another perspective on it. As our destination today was Tuba City nobody was in a hurry to leave the canyon.






Once we had visited the last pull out to see the observation tower we started a long descent into the Little Colorado River valley.

Again we stopped at the scenic views to soak in the views and the changing terrain. Just before reaching Cameron I flatted. I pulled a little piece of metal wire out of my tire. Dave had the same thing happen a few days ago. We speculate that these little wires are from torn up steel belted radial tires.

After lunch I got another flat and then again within five miles. By this time I had fallen way behind the group. Fixed up for the third time I made the last 20 miles to Tuba City as fast as I could.


Just before our hotel was a Sonic and I pulled in to enjoy a much deserved chocolate shake. Once finished with the shake I still had .2 miles to the hotel and wouldn’t you know it I got another flat. After inspecting the tire very close I found a very small wire this must have been the cause of the other 2 flats. It was so small that I was lucky to find it. Otherwise I would be having more tomorrow.

We had dinner at a pizza place since there are not many choices in Tuba City. Tomorrow we will ride into Monument Valley. From the Grand Canyon to Monument Valley, life is good.

Today’s photos at Flickr.
All Photo sets at Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/rhanke/collections/72157607429548840/