Day 20 - Guymon, OK to Liberal, KS- 40 miles

Just the stats: 40 miles, 20.4 MPH average, mostly flat land now with rolling hills, cumulative 1,315 miles. No flats today, eight in total. Sunny, 65 to 70 degrees. Tailwind all the way!

What a difference a day makes. We flew into Liberal, KS today. It was a short 40 mile day on a smooth road - I was done in less than two hours.

Instead of endless feed lots, we passed by endless fields of wheat. AMBER WAVES OF GRAIN. No kidding! It was so beautiful. The road kill is changing too- pheasant and armadillo were added to the snakes, skunks and birds.

We rode through Hooker, OK, where the Chamber of Commerce is capitalizing on the town's name. We entered Kansas (and the wind picked up a bit). We had lunch and then went to explore Dorothy's house and the Land of OZ. It was so bad it was funny!

Speaking of tornadoes - there are some professional storms chasers here in the hotel!! Argh!

Here is my Garmin info: http://trail.motionbased.com/trail/activity/2888430

I am going to sign off now. Thunder and lightning are brewing and I don't want to loose power before I finish today's blog.

Tomorrow is 83 miles to Dodge City KS.

Tom

Day 19 - Dalhart, TX to Guymon, OK - 73 miles

Just the stats: 73 miles, 11.9 MPH average, mostly flat land now with rolling hills, cumulative 1,276 miles. No flats today, eight in total. Sunny, 65 to 72 degrees. Headwind all day - ugh!!

Here's the story. Long straight road. Flat. Headwind all day.

Although the day was only 74.2 miles the relentless 15-20 mph head wind all day long with no let up made it brutally hard. This ride was the equivalent of 8 spin classes in a row. Probably the hardest day of the trip. Five of us riders got through the day by teaming up to form a pace line. We rotated counter-clock-wise taking turns leading/pulling and drafting off each other. Still, we were lucky to maintain an 8 to 12 mph pace. I was never so glad to leave Texas after less than 24 hours in the state, we are now in Oklahoma.

Medical Report: Frank had to have an emergency root canal done. Ouch!! Richard and Dave collided and Dave took a very nasty fall. He is going to have some very nasty scars. About half or more of the riders got into the sag wagon at some point today because of the tough winds. The rest of the riders (like the five in my group) just got into some sort of pace line and ground it out. Overall there have been few injuries and none of the 32 riders going all the way across the US has dropped. This is overall a very strong group of riders, the women as a group are by far stronger than the men.

Here is my Garmin info: http://trail.motionbased.com/trail/activity/2888598

Thanks to all of you who have made comments on my blog. I do read them and it makes me laugh and choke up too. I feel all of your prayers, love and support carrying me across the country. Thanks.

Tom

Day 18 - Tucumcari, NM to Dalhart, TX - 96 miles

Just the stats: 96 miles, 18 MPH average, 2,279 feet climbed, 2,420 descent, cumulative 1,203 miles. No flats today, eight in total. Sunny, 65 to 88 degrees.

Today we entered Texas.

This morning we were treated to very strong tailwinds for our ride from Tucumcari to Dalhart. For the first 35 miles I rode with the fastest riders in a double wide pace line, 12 of us. We flew along at an average speed of 20.8 mph.

The picture below shows the double wide pace line. That's me in the yellow jacket. Click on the picture, it should be a little clearer.


The second 35 I hooked up with three other riders and we kept a similar pace. After that I had enough. Following wheel to wheel you can't see or hear what's around you. I decided since I am retired I should throttle back and enjoy myself. It did help me get through a long day though.

The landscape was wide open and we could see for miles in every direction. The road was smooth for the most part. I have noticed in the west that the roadkill is a lot different than Maryland. We have seen coyotes, snakes and lizards along the road.

Approaching Dalhart we rode by the XIT Ranch feed lots which stretched to the horizon. There they feed on average 150,000 steers in pens. From a distance the hills were all black. When we got closer we could see the cattle. I don't have to tell you about the smell. Plus there was a lot of bugs in the air. We were getting hit with them everywhere. I had to brush them off of my clothes, spit them out and wipe them off of my glasses. Nasty!!

With the favorable tail winds I covered 96 miles by 1:00 p.m. so I went for a little snack. I've been losing weight a little more quickly than I'd like so I headed over to Subway for a sandwich and then onto Dairy Queen for a root beer float. Hopefully the post-ride snack, plus a full dinner, plus a Blizzard at Dairy Queen for dessert should be enough!

One of our riders - Gil - has posted his pictures to the web. Check out Gil's Photo Album Site

Here is my Garmin data: http://trail.motionbased.com/trail/activity/2874593

Day 17- Las Vegas, NM to Tucumcari, NM- 110 miles

Just the stats: 110 miles, 14.6 MPH average, 4,282 feet climbed, 6,623 descent, cumulative 1,197 miles. No flats today, eight in total. Sunny, 65 to 100 degrees.

Today was a day of records. We rode further today than ever before, we passed the 1000 mile mark for the trip, we climbed the steepest hill of the entire trip, and we rode a full century on the same road! The day was described by our trip leader as the most difficult of the trip, due to its length, lots of climbing, and warm temperatures.

The ride was actually one of the most beautiful of the trip. We could see for miles and miles as our vistas were virtually unobstructed. This included lots of wildflowers along the roadside. As I rode along, alone as usual, I was gasping at the beauty I came upon.

Something I try to do every day is bring along a new scripture verse to memorize and meditate on. Today's was Mt 11: 28 -30. As He would have it - today is Labor Day and the verse starts out "Come to me all you who labor and are weary...." Riding and meditating for three or four hours of the ride sure beats fasting all day - and I get to eat whatever I want. I get a lot of insight, I sure hope I remember what I thought about to share later.

Back to the ride. This so called steep hill, known as "the wall" was 0.7 miles of 12% grade. It wasn't as bad as had been described by others who had ridden it before, but I certainly was glad to get to the top of it.

So, it was a great day, just too long - 110 miles, that's how far we drive to see Deloris and Noel!

Tomorrow we are onto Texas, a 96 mile day.

Here is my Garmin data: http://trail.motionbased.com/trail/activity/2865189

Day 16- Santa Fe, NM to Las Vegas, NM- 75 miles

Just the stats: 75 miles, 13.5 MPH average, 5,189 feet climbed, 5,350 descent, cumulative 987 miles. No flats today, eight in total. Sunny, 59 to 73 degrees, afternoon thunder showers.

Still the best bog telling of today is http://sorebutt.blogspot.com/

Today's 75 mile ride from Santa Fe was just perfection. Roller coaster hills with substantial 7% to 9% grades sprinkled in for good measure. Early in the day we reached the highest point on the entire journey - Glorieta pass summit 7,570 feet.

The battle of Glorieta Pass spelled the end of Confederate hopes for victory in the west (I read it on a historical marker - I am not that smart).

We only had 5 miles of interstate riding. The rest of the ride was on the frontage road which parallels the interstate, but the grades are much steeper. Today we had the road almost totally to ourselves. While it is probabley an exaggeration, I don't think 20 cars passed me all day and I don't think one semi passed me today. The scenic hills are breathtakingly beautiful and really fun to ride. Fly down about a half mile then grind up about 3/4' of a mile. Late in the afternoon it was dodge the thunder storms. I was able to take refuge at a Subway - gas station around 12:30 with about 8 miles left to go.

After the rest stop it was about 55%, windy, (head winds of course, rainy and I was freezing with only a biking shirt on, no coat. So, I flew in the rest of the way trying to warm up - it worked.

Tomorrow is another desert crossing, 108 miles and probably around 90 degrees - should be fun. I prefer the hills to the long hauls. I have learned I am not a fast rider but I am a strong climber.

Here is my Garmin data: http://trail.motionbased.com/trail/activity/2853601

Day 14 - Albuquerque, NM to Santa Fe, NM - 67 miles

If you click on the pictures above, they will fill your screen, try it.

Just the stats: 67 miles, 11.9 MPH average, 5,667 feet climbed, 4,321 descent, cumulative 927 miles. One flat tire today, eight in total. Sunny, 62 to 75 degrees.

If you like to climb uphill, you would love today:

New Mexico is beautiful. The ride was difficult but rewarding. We climbed for the first 19 miles into headwinds. When I say climbed, I mean we went uphill for two hours straight, not down, just up - into the wind, going very slowly. My riding time today was 5 hours 20 minutes and the total time door to door was 7 hours 20 minutes. According to my computer-heart rate monitor, I burn about 3,800 calories on these rides.

I rode mostly alone all day long today and that was fine for me. I could listen to the wind, birds, and smell the smells of pine trees and see the wide expanses of these mountains, viewing God's wonderful creation.

We peddled north onto the famous "Turquoise Trail". This stretch of road has lots of climbing too, but it ascends through beautiful New Mexican landscape, finally reaching a point that it rolls up and down on winding roads. We rode through several small towns that have lots of local flavor, and enjoyed minimal traffic - mostly motorcycles.

At mile 45.3 I ate lunch at The Mine Shaft Tavern in a little mining town called Madrid. This was the bar in the biker buddy comedy "Wild Hogs". If you have seen this recent movie, you have seen the views I saw today. (I still intend to slap the bull!!)

After lunch we had a great descent where I hit 40.1 mph, then climbed some more. I rode in and out of rain after lunch. I arrived in Santa Fe and 1.2 miles from the hotel got a flat tire. So close.

I think everyone is looking forward to our rest day tomorrow. Most of the riders plan on going to the old town part of Santa Fe and do some sight seeing.

Here is my Garmin data: http://trail.motionbased.com/trail/activity/2825325

And, here are more pictures posted on Snapfish.com: Just click here

Day 13 - Grants NM to Albuquerque, NM - 76 miles

Just the stats: 76 miles, 15.1 MPH average, 2,549 feet climbed, 3,858 descent cumulative 861 miles. NO FLATS AGAIN TODAY!! so, seven in total. Sunny, 34 to 76 degrees.

The 76 miles from Grants to Albuquerque was a great ride except for 6 miles along interstate I-40 E which were absolutely terrifying. I'll get to that in a second.

It was another cold start today (34 degrees), so on with the warm clothing again. It was a beautiful, sunny day though, and the first 30 miles were on a spectacular section of Route 66. We cycled through lava fields(check out the picture), mesas, and rolling country. I still get God-bumps (they are goose-bumps but better) as I ride and realize how blessed I am and how awesome this country is.

Now the scary part: After the first SAG stop 30 miles into the ride, we entered I-40 and I soon found myself in an 6 mile section of road construction. hey had the road blocked down to one lane in either direction, except the lane was way over on the shoulder of the road. So semi trucks were screaming by me within about 18", I was riding on about 1 to 2 ft shoulder area in this construction zone. Semis whizzed by within about an arm's reach! (check out the picture) I was riding alone at this time (well not really) and just pedalled as carefully as I could. The very edge of the road was broken and rough, which made it doubly treacherous. Talk about prayer, I was fully engaged with the Holy Spirit asking Him to guide me through. All the cyclists agreed that was the most terrifying cycling experience they had ever had A number of the cyclists got off there bikes and waited for the support to ferry them past the construction.

Whew - glad to get that over with.

The majority of the ride was along the old Route 66 which is now just a secondary road used by locals. At one point there was this really vicious looking mogul dog (not really so mean looking - but it makes for a good story) he chased many of the cyclists. Jerry who is 80 years old hit the dog (what do you expect from a geezer)and was knocked down. He has a really nasty looking gash on one arm and some road rash on one knee.

The rest of the day was wonderful, with rolling hills, a long 5-mile climb. Once you get to the top, the view is stunning and now you are ready to go down "9 mile hill". It is a absolutely perfectly straight road with great shoulders straight into Albuquerque.

Tomorrow is a big climbing day into Santa Fe, NM.

Thanks for visiting my blog and thanks for the great comments. I really enjoy reading what you have to say. If you haven't figured it out just press the word comments and leave a message.

This is a fun trip but I do miss my life back home. I especially miss Yvonne, Jen and Todd, my church family, and the guys on the inside.

Here is my Garmin data:http://trail.motionbased.com/trail/activity/2819966

Don't forget to check out this riders blog, it is a good one: http://sorebutt.blogspot.com/

Day 12 - Gallup, NM to Grants NM - 68 miles

Just the stats: 68 miles, 14.5 MPH average, 1,686 feet climbed, 1,739 descent cumulative 785 miles. NO FLATS TODAY, seven in total.

Continental Divide:

Well that it! It is all down hill from here. This morning we crossed the Continental divide at 7275 ft.

This morning was raining, cold (37 degrees)and windy. Just perfect! With only 67 miles of 20 mph head wind it was going to be a long day. However it was good to not be facing 115 degree weather. So wearing our rain gear we set off. At about the 7 mile mark the rain turned really nasty. I put my head down, prayed and peddle, peddle, peddeled!! Then the rain let up the sun came out and I was praising the Lord.
We still had head winds so we ground down the road at about 11-12 mph. It took us just over 2.5 hours to get up to the Continental Divide at 7,275 feet.

So wind and rain not with standing we made it into Grant NM.

Here is my Garmin data: http://trail.motionbased.com/trail/activity/2811486

Day 11 - Holbrook AZ to Gallup, NM - 86 miles

Just the stats: 87 miles, 18.4 MPH average, 3,402 feet climbed, 2,192 descent cumulative 717 miles. One flat today, seven in total.

It was a wonderful day for flying. Bright blue sky, perfect cycling temperatures of around 65 degrees this morning and low 70's this afternoon. We pulled out of Holbrook AZ this morning I got a flat 4 miles into the ride and then cruised the 87 miles down to Gallup NM at an average speed of 18.4 mph making the ride in 4:45 ride time. Cruising down the interstate was easy and there were lots of times where I would look down and note that I was going over 30 mph. In fairness I guess that I should give the wind some credit as we did have a strong tail wind most of the day.

Here is my Garmin data: http://trail.motionbased.com/trail/activity/2805715

Day 10 - Flagstaff AZ to Holbrook AZ - 94 miles

Just the stats: 95 miles, 17.2 MPH average, 1,712 feet climbed, 3,362 descent cumulative 630 miles. One flat today, six in total.

Gravity And Tail Winds:
The effects of gravity and tailwinds have magical effects on cyclists. We left the trees of Flagstaff this morning with chilly air and clear skies. We had 15 to 20 mph tail winds all day long. We went 96 miles in 5 1/2 hours, average speed 17.2 mph. We lost 2000 feet of elevation and with the wind most of the time we were sailing along at 20-30 mph.
We pedaled most of the day through high desert (5,000-6,000 feet) with mostly wide open terrain. Much of the ride was on Interstate I-40. The truck tire debris was prevalent, therefore, one flat tire today. The group had a total of 21 flat tires today due to glass and tire wires from the semis.

Before we knew it we were in historic Winslow Az. "Standin' on a Corner in Winslow Arizona. It was great.

So far, drivers have been kind in giving the group room on the road. Since bikes technically aren't allowed on interstates, the our tour leaders have been giving notice to local police that we would be there and police in turn have alerted passing truckers to be on the lookout.

I have been very diligent in applying the SPF 60 sun screen and it sure has worked I haven't been sun burn. However I definitely have a cyclists tan. Above the bike shorts, Jersey sleeves, and my hands are still white.

Tomorrow we go into New Mexico. An 85 mile ride with yet another great weather forecast.
Here is my garmin info. http://trail.motionbased.com/trail/activity/2805473

Day 8 - Cottonwood to Flagstaff AZ- 46 miles

High Temp 75 and overcast, short afternoon shower.
One flat tire today. So far I am at five flats and counting. Me and another guy are tied for the most flats, not good. The average right now for the group is probably one.
Today was our biggest climbing day so far. We climbed 7,546 feet and descended 3,885 feet. I will take the 8% to 10% grades all day long over the 100 mile desert stretches. Still feeling strong. I was on an 8% grade, climbing for over 2 miles and saw my heart rate was at 110.

A fellow rider (whose name is Tom also)is also writing a blog. It should be read by you. He spends so much time, there is no need for me to repeat, check it out http://sorebutt.blogspot.com/ He has done stuff with Google Earth that will blow you away.

Here is my Garmin link: http://trail.motionbased.com/trail/activity/2772254

Tomorrow is a day off. Sunday, a day of rest. I will hopefully find a good church.

OK, here is a link to pictures posted to snapfish.com: http://www1.snapfish.com/share/p=657191179641135351/l=256761567/g=5012265/cobrandOid=1000131/otsc=SYE/otsi=SALB

If this link thing fails - ask Yvonne to email you the connection to Snapfish.com
There are a lot of pictures, about 90, I think.

That's my story and I'm sticking to it.
Good night.

Day 7 - Prescott to Cottonwood AZ- 43 miles

43 miles
No flat tires today. So far I am at four and counting.
Climbed 4,428 feet and descended 6,475 feet!!

Had another great day of climbing - The longest climb was 12.5 miles with 7 to 9 % grades. Went up to the top of Mingus MT, at an elevation of 7,023 ft.
Fantastic views of the canyon.
Then, a 9 mile downhill, finally hit the 40 MPH mark. I got up to 41.4 MPH. Many tight turns, had to be careful. Man was it fun !!

Tomorrow is another day of climbing, a bit tougher than today, but shorter.

Having a great time, and loving it. Our God is an awesome God!!

Look for more tomorrow - I hope.

Here is my Garmin data. Check out the climb and descent.
http://trail.motionbased.com/trail/activity/2762444