I had my first flat today about 24 miles into a 74 mi ride and decided to bag it for the day. As it turned out, I had already ridden the most difficult part, but my head wasn't into it today. It was a bad flat day with 5 riders having flat tires, one close enough to our motel that she was able to walk in.
We were all glad to leave Arizona largely because of all the debris on the road shoulders and the rumble strips, but it remains to be seen whether New Mexico will be any better.
The thing I have been most surprised by riding across the desert from California to New Mexico is the large portion of the desert that is fenced for cattle grazing. We look at it and wonder how the cattle can get enough to sustain life let alone get big enough to send off to the feed lots. And while earlier there were a number of flowers in bloom, the last two days there has been virtually nothing and almost no cacti, but lots of shrubs which I think may be mesquite or maybe creosote bush.
On to Silver City and the continental divide tomorrow.
At least you get a day of rest before conquering the divide. Soon the mountains will be behind you.
ReplyDelete