Black Jack Campground to Silver City
April 28, 2015
72 miles
We woke up to a fairly chilly morning. Since we camped we had plenty of chores to do before we could ride. This was a good thing since it took a bit to warm up. We left at about 9:30 with great anticipation of reaching first the New Mexico State line and secondly reaching the Continental Divide. The day warmed up quickly and we reached the state line within 10 miles of our camp. One
event down and still looking forward to crossing the Contintental Divide. Shortly after crossing the State line, Royce went back to move the car forward. We had missed out on our morning coffee because we did not set up our camp stove on this stay. We thought we had a couple of different options to heat our water using the electric kettle that has been serving us so well. Let's just say our options were not viable and we had no hot water. As I ride I get these ideas about what I want to eat or drink. So I got it in my head that in the town of Buckhorn I would meet Royce and get a coffee. Buckhorn at one time had a store called a Trading Post. I was hoping that they might have some coffee there. Royce shot past me and held up in Buckhorn so that I could satisfy my craving for coffee. Well, as has luck would have it, the 'ol Trading Post was out of business. I had to get that thought out of my head, coffee was not going to happen today. As I write this 5 days after this ride, to date this has been my most underestimated ride. I thought it was going to be a nice 72 mile ride into Silver City with about 3,500' elevation gain, according to my mapping program. Mapping programs do not predict wind or mention dominate wind patterns. I found out that the wind pattern is commonly SW. This lines up a nice head wind coming into Silver City from NM180. The late start along with the wind made for a long day. Along the route I saw a couple of other touring bicycle riders. Another surprise was that there was a Bicycle Race...The Tour of Gila starting the next day. Some of those riders were also out on the route. Royce moved forward and rode back to ride with me on the outskirts of Silver City. His arrival is always refreshing after spending many hours pedaling in the elements. I have many favorite saying for this trip and the one Royce is probably getting tired of is...."Wind it is a game changer". I finally made it into Silver City. The best news was we had our first day off in 10 days the next day. At least I had time to lick my wounds and find a good cup of coffee...wish I did.
April 28, 2015
72 miles
We woke up to a fairly chilly morning. Since we camped we had plenty of chores to do before we could ride. This was a good thing since it took a bit to warm up. We left at about 9:30 with great anticipation of reaching first the New Mexico State line and secondly reaching the Continental Divide. The day warmed up quickly and we reached the state line within 10 miles of our camp. One
event down and still looking forward to crossing the Contintental Divide. Shortly after crossing the State line, Royce went back to move the car forward. We had missed out on our morning coffee because we did not set up our camp stove on this stay. We thought we had a couple of different options to heat our water using the electric kettle that has been serving us so well. Let's just say our options were not viable and we had no hot water. As I ride I get these ideas about what I want to eat or drink. So I got it in my head that in the town of Buckhorn I would meet Royce and get a coffee. Buckhorn at one time had a store called a Trading Post. I was hoping that they might have some coffee there. Royce shot past me and held up in Buckhorn so that I could satisfy my craving for coffee. Well, as has luck would have it, the 'ol Trading Post was out of business. I had to get that thought out of my head, coffee was not going to happen today. As I write this 5 days after this ride, to date this has been my most underestimated ride. I thought it was going to be a nice 72 mile ride into Silver City with about 3,500' elevation gain, according to my mapping program. Mapping programs do not predict wind or mention dominate wind patterns. I found out that the wind pattern is commonly SW. This lines up a nice head wind coming into Silver City from NM180. The late start along with the wind made for a long day. Along the route I saw a couple of other touring bicycle riders. Another surprise was that there was a Bicycle Race...The Tour of Gila starting the next day. Some of those riders were also out on the route. Royce moved forward and rode back to ride with me on the outskirts of Silver City. His arrival is always refreshing after spending many hours pedaling in the elements. I have many favorite saying for this trip and the one Royce is probably getting tired of is...."Wind it is a game changer". I finally made it into Silver City. The best news was we had our first day off in 10 days the next day. At least I had time to lick my wounds and find a good cup of coffee...wish I did.
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| Got to see the start of the first race |
You rockTerry.. Braving the elements and alone a lot. God bless you and keep you safe. Good to hear you got a day off to rest. I would wine if I didn't have my morning coffee. Lob Ron and Marc
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