Kingston, NM to Silver City, NM. 37 miles, 2,361 miles total.
I got up and starting packing my stuff by 6:00 am. That's very early for me! Larry offered to take me up to the toop of the 8,227 ft summit of Emory Pass as long as we do it early. He needed to be back in time to start working on his Pump House with a few of the local contractors that would be doing some of the work. It would have taken my all day to ride the short distance to the summit, I'm sure.
It was very cold and little windy at the top of the summit, but it was all down hill for the next several miles, and being so early, there wasn't very much traffic at all. I had a great moring of riding.
About 20 miles before the town of Silver City, a woman named Pat stopped to offer me a ride. She past me going the other way shortly before, and wondered if I needed a ride. There were a few hills, and I also felt like I wasn't making my goal for miles, so I decided to accept the ride.
Pat has signed up as a "Warm Shower's Host", so we had a very nice chat as she drove me to Silver City. She took me all the way to the Library. I really appreciated getting the ride.
Friday, March 28, 2008
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Derry, NM to Kingston, NM. 41 miles, 2324 miles total.
I had a very nice breakfast at a local hang-out / meeting spot in Arrey, NM. It was fun to hear the local buzz and to talk to some of the farmers. There are a wide variety of crops in the area, but pecans are really popular. One farmer gave me a large bag of pecans (no, not more weight to carry in my trailer!)
The food was very good, and it was a great day for riding. The weather has been nice and sunny, cool in the mornings but not too hot in the afternoons.
It was a gradual up hill ride to the town of Hillsboro. This was a very interesting town, with a lot of little shops and a great post office. However, EVERYTNING in the town closes at 3:00 pm, and I didn't get there intil about 4:00, so I didn't really get to see in any of the shops.
I decided to keep on riding, and just at the edge of town, I caught a ride from Larry Brooks. He was headed to his property in Kingston. Normally, I don't like to ask for a ride, but I knew that there were a lot of big hills ahead of me, and my left knee was hurting a little. He gave me a 9 mile ride to Kingston.
At his property, he's building a 12' x 12' pump house with staw bales. I helped him unload his materials, then we drove around the small town, meeting some of the residents there. It was a great place to stay. I put my tent up next to his 5th wheel. Thanks for lift, Larry!
I had a very nice breakfast at a local hang-out / meeting spot in Arrey, NM. It was fun to hear the local buzz and to talk to some of the farmers. There are a wide variety of crops in the area, but pecans are really popular. One farmer gave me a large bag of pecans (no, not more weight to carry in my trailer!)
The food was very good, and it was a great day for riding. The weather has been nice and sunny, cool in the mornings but not too hot in the afternoons.
It was a gradual up hill ride to the town of Hillsboro. This was a very interesting town, with a lot of little shops and a great post office. However, EVERYTNING in the town closes at 3:00 pm, and I didn't get there intil about 4:00, so I didn't really get to see in any of the shops.
I decided to keep on riding, and just at the edge of town, I caught a ride from Larry Brooks. He was headed to his property in Kingston. Normally, I don't like to ask for a ride, but I knew that there were a lot of big hills ahead of me, and my left knee was hurting a little. He gave me a 9 mile ride to Kingston.
At his property, he's building a 12' x 12' pump house with staw bales. I helped him unload his materials, then we drove around the small town, meeting some of the residents there. It was a great place to stay. I put my tent up next to his 5th wheel. Thanks for lift, Larry!
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
La Mesilla, NM to Derry, NM. 49 miles, 2283 miles total.
I got a late start today, and I had very strong head winds all afternoon, so it was difficult to get very far. I wanted to make 55 miles today, but I fell short of my goal. It was a warm day, but not too hot. It's been several days now since there has been any rain. That's good.
I got stung in my left leg by something ... not sure what it was because it was under my kwaki shorts, but the stinger was still there. It hurt for about 2 hours or so! My left knee is also giving me some pain, so I'm trying to take it easy when I can.
In addition to the late start, I ate an early breakfast, which I don't usually do. I prefer to wait later in the day for my first meal. The service was slow, and I felt like I wasted a lot of time, but I wasn't sure what kind of restaurants there would be on the next section of the trail.
I also stopped in Hatch to go to a library. I got there late in the afternoon, and the library was just about to close, so I didn't really get a chance to update the blog, just answer a few e-mails and check the weather report.
I got a late start today, and I had very strong head winds all afternoon, so it was difficult to get very far. I wanted to make 55 miles today, but I fell short of my goal. It was a warm day, but not too hot. It's been several days now since there has been any rain. That's good.
I got stung in my left leg by something ... not sure what it was because it was under my kwaki shorts, but the stinger was still there. It hurt for about 2 hours or so! My left knee is also giving me some pain, so I'm trying to take it easy when I can.
In addition to the late start, I ate an early breakfast, which I don't usually do. I prefer to wait later in the day for my first meal. The service was slow, and I felt like I wasted a lot of time, but I wasn't sure what kind of restaurants there would be on the next section of the trail.
I also stopped in Hatch to go to a library. I got there late in the afternoon, and the library was just about to close, so I didn't really get a chance to update the blog, just answer a few e-mails and check the weather report.
Monday, March 24, 2008
El Paso, TX to La Mesilla, NM. 63 miles, 2234 miles total.
I haven't said this in a while, so I'll do it now. Welcome to all the new visitors to my blog. I hope you are enjoying my journey as much as I'm enjoying the experience. Please know that everyone is welcome to come to my celebration party in Sisters, Oregon during the Christmas Holiday, roughly Dec. 20, 2008 to Jan. 3, 2009. I'm planning on renting a big house near Sisters, and it will be a great time of sharing and laughing and celebrating.
There are a couple of options for getting there ... fly into Redmond, Oregon (it's about 30 minutes from there to Redmond, and I'll run a shuttle for anyone that needs it), fly into Portland, Oregon (PDX) and rent a car (I'd say that it would take about 4 hours depending on road conditions to drive from Portland to Sisters), or if you prefer, just drive to Oregon and come experience great skiing, hiking, mountain viewing, eating, shopping, and anything else that you may like to do. The housing is free and so is the food and beverages, so start making plans now!
Now about Monday ... I spent the night at Jesus's house in El Paso. He slept in, so we skipped breakfast. I got a nice early start at 7:30 am. It was an easy ride through El Paso, even though it's a big city. I had a bike lane most of the way. At about 10:00 am, I stopped for a Mexican breakfast, and it was good. The tempature is cool, but it's sunny, and I know it will be warm by this afternoon.
I had a flat tire just as I entered New Mexico. Seems to be my standard greeting to a new state. Same thing happened as I entered Texas. I can't really believe that I finally made it to "The Other Side of Texas" (if I do write a book about this adventure, I think that's the title I'll use ... on a bike, you are always trying to get to the other side of Texas!) A pair of bike riders were out for an afternoon ride, Fred and Sandy, so they stopped and helped me to fix my flat tire. Thanks for the help and the CO2. The tire is still doing just fine!
There was a large nursery with tons of beautiful flowers and shrubs. I enjoyed talking to one of the employes for a while. It was a nice break in the middle of the afternoon.
I made it to a little town of Mesilla and camped in a very nice RV Park. It gave me a chance to do my laundry and take a nice shower. I was getting low on socks, so I knew it was time to do some washing.
I haven't said this in a while, so I'll do it now. Welcome to all the new visitors to my blog. I hope you are enjoying my journey as much as I'm enjoying the experience. Please know that everyone is welcome to come to my celebration party in Sisters, Oregon during the Christmas Holiday, roughly Dec. 20, 2008 to Jan. 3, 2009. I'm planning on renting a big house near Sisters, and it will be a great time of sharing and laughing and celebrating.
There are a couple of options for getting there ... fly into Redmond, Oregon (it's about 30 minutes from there to Redmond, and I'll run a shuttle for anyone that needs it), fly into Portland, Oregon (PDX) and rent a car (I'd say that it would take about 4 hours depending on road conditions to drive from Portland to Sisters), or if you prefer, just drive to Oregon and come experience great skiing, hiking, mountain viewing, eating, shopping, and anything else that you may like to do. The housing is free and so is the food and beverages, so start making plans now!
Now about Monday ... I spent the night at Jesus's house in El Paso. He slept in, so we skipped breakfast. I got a nice early start at 7:30 am. It was an easy ride through El Paso, even though it's a big city. I had a bike lane most of the way. At about 10:00 am, I stopped for a Mexican breakfast, and it was good. The tempature is cool, but it's sunny, and I know it will be warm by this afternoon.
I had a flat tire just as I entered New Mexico. Seems to be my standard greeting to a new state. Same thing happened as I entered Texas. I can't really believe that I finally made it to "The Other Side of Texas" (if I do write a book about this adventure, I think that's the title I'll use ... on a bike, you are always trying to get to the other side of Texas!) A pair of bike riders were out for an afternoon ride, Fred and Sandy, so they stopped and helped me to fix my flat tire. Thanks for the help and the CO2. The tire is still doing just fine!
There was a large nursery with tons of beautiful flowers and shrubs. I enjoyed talking to one of the employes for a while. It was a nice break in the middle of the afternoon.
I made it to a little town of Mesilla and camped in a very nice RV Park. It gave me a chance to do my laundry and take a nice shower. I was getting low on socks, so I knew it was time to do some washing.
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Sunday, March 23, 2008 Easter Sunday
Seirra Blanca, TX to El Paso, TX. 77 miles, 2171 miles total.
I woke up at 1:00 a.m. with very strong winds blowing the tent from side to side. I knew that I wouldn't be able to sleep with all the wind, so I packed up as best I could and started on my way. There was a full moon out, and very little traffic, so it really wasn't too bad to be riding at night. After about 10 miles, I came to truck stop. I stayed in the lobby / TV lounge until the restaurant opened at 6:00 a.m. It was still windy and cold out, but after a nice breakfast, I started riding again. The route left the interstate at the truck stop and headed on a very narrow road. The up-side was that there wasn't any traffic at all!
After a short ride, I met a couple from Belgium ... Rita and Harry. They've traveled all over the world! They were very interesting, and their English was very good. They were also traveling East to Florida.
When I got closer to El Paso, I decided to call Jesus, the guy I met in Valentine, Texas. He said I could stay at his house when I was in El Paso. Some of his kids were staying with their grandparents for Spring Break, and his wife and son had traveled to San Antonio, so he was all alone. We went for a great Mexican Dinner at a very nice market called "Ranch Market". His Dad also stopped by, so it was a very nice time there. We also did a short driving tour of El Paso at night. It was really something to see all the night lights from the border town (Mexico).
I'll get an early start in the morning ... Jesus has to leave for work at 7:30 a.m.
I woke up at 1:00 a.m. with very strong winds blowing the tent from side to side. I knew that I wouldn't be able to sleep with all the wind, so I packed up as best I could and started on my way. There was a full moon out, and very little traffic, so it really wasn't too bad to be riding at night. After about 10 miles, I came to truck stop. I stayed in the lobby / TV lounge until the restaurant opened at 6:00 a.m. It was still windy and cold out, but after a nice breakfast, I started riding again. The route left the interstate at the truck stop and headed on a very narrow road. The up-side was that there wasn't any traffic at all!
After a short ride, I met a couple from Belgium ... Rita and Harry. They've traveled all over the world! They were very interesting, and their English was very good. They were also traveling East to Florida.
When I got closer to El Paso, I decided to call Jesus, the guy I met in Valentine, Texas. He said I could stay at his house when I was in El Paso. Some of his kids were staying with their grandparents for Spring Break, and his wife and son had traveled to San Antonio, so he was all alone. We went for a great Mexican Dinner at a very nice market called "Ranch Market". His Dad also stopped by, so it was a very nice time there. We also did a short driving tour of El Paso at night. It was really something to see all the night lights from the border town (Mexico).
I'll get an early start in the morning ... Jesus has to leave for work at 7:30 a.m.
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Van Horn, TX to Seirra Blanca, TX. 43 miles, 2094 miles total.
Not as far as I would have liked to go today, but this will have to do. I met Mark (stumpknocker) and Cynthia (Mrs. Gorp) heading from California to Florida. Mark had already started hiking the Appalachian Trail (along the East Coast), when he left the trail to do a coast to coast bike ride. He'll go back where he left off after he gets to Florida, as I understand what he said. I enjoyed talking to them.
Next, I met Mark from Germany. He had so many funny stories to tell. We had a nice time talking, and it gave me a nice break from the wind and the riding. Mark has spent a lot of time on the road, heading East. He spent almost 3 weeks in Silver City. I would have enjoyed spending more time with him listening to his adventure, but I really had to say Good Bye and get back on the road. Who knowns, maybe someday Mark and I will meet again. I'd enjoy going to Europe to do some riding!
I camped near Interstate 10 near a rest area. The sign said "NO TENTS", so I went about 500 yards away, up a dirt road. There was some heavy equipment in a clearing, so I set up my tent there. The equipment provide a bit of a sound break from the freeway, and the train tracks were far enough away that the trains didn't bother me too much. I know they won't be working this weekend, so it shouldn't be a problem to be camped near the road equipment.
Not as far as I would have liked to go today, but this will have to do. I met Mark (stumpknocker) and Cynthia (Mrs. Gorp) heading from California to Florida. Mark had already started hiking the Appalachian Trail (along the East Coast), when he left the trail to do a coast to coast bike ride. He'll go back where he left off after he gets to Florida, as I understand what he said. I enjoyed talking to them.
Next, I met Mark from Germany. He had so many funny stories to tell. We had a nice time talking, and it gave me a nice break from the wind and the riding. Mark has spent a lot of time on the road, heading East. He spent almost 3 weeks in Silver City. I would have enjoyed spending more time with him listening to his adventure, but I really had to say Good Bye and get back on the road. Who knowns, maybe someday Mark and I will meet again. I'd enjoy going to Europe to do some riding!
I camped near Interstate 10 near a rest area. The sign said "NO TENTS", so I went about 500 yards away, up a dirt road. There was some heavy equipment in a clearing, so I set up my tent there. The equipment provide a bit of a sound break from the freeway, and the train tracks were far enough away that the trains didn't bother me too much. I know they won't be working this weekend, so it shouldn't be a problem to be camped near the road equipment.
Friday, March 21, 2008 Good Friday
Marfa, TX to Van Horn, TX. 70 miles, 2051 miles total.
I wanted to get up early, but it was just too hard to roll out of bed! I finally got up and on the road at 8:45 a.m. It was a great day for riding ... no hills, warm yet not too hot. Can't get 2nd gear to work right, so I have to jump from 1st gear to 3rd gear. Bummer!
I talked to Phillip, a motorcycle rider from AZ. He's a video photographer, and he had some great stories to share. I would have enjoyed talking to him more, but I needed to get going again.
In the town of Valentine, TX, I met Jesus from El Paso and Chris and her son, Tom from Albuquerque. I thought there would be more to see there, but they didn't even have a store or a restaurant, so I kept on going.
I arrived in Van Horn at about 8:30 p.m. It was still light because the time changed today ... I'm now in Mountain Time Zone. I went to the Cattle Company restaurant for a nice T-Bone steak for dinner, then paid $8 to camp at an RV Park. They had nice showers. I'm glad I didn't stay at the KOA ... they wanted $22, and I would have needed to ride about 2 miles back. It was another late start ... got on the road at 9:00 a.m.
I wanted to get up early, but it was just too hard to roll out of bed! I finally got up and on the road at 8:45 a.m. It was a great day for riding ... no hills, warm yet not too hot. Can't get 2nd gear to work right, so I have to jump from 1st gear to 3rd gear. Bummer!
I talked to Phillip, a motorcycle rider from AZ. He's a video photographer, and he had some great stories to share. I would have enjoyed talking to him more, but I needed to get going again.
In the town of Valentine, TX, I met Jesus from El Paso and Chris and her son, Tom from Albuquerque. I thought there would be more to see there, but they didn't even have a store or a restaurant, so I kept on going.
I arrived in Van Horn at about 8:30 p.m. It was still light because the time changed today ... I'm now in Mountain Time Zone. I went to the Cattle Company restaurant for a nice T-Bone steak for dinner, then paid $8 to camp at an RV Park. They had nice showers. I'm glad I didn't stay at the KOA ... they wanted $22, and I would have needed to ride about 2 miles back. It was another late start ... got on the road at 9:00 a.m.
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