Bike Ride to Farmington

Cuba to Farmington: 67.7 miles + 30 mile van ride

Total Mileage: 2523.3 miles

 

This morning the group would have to shuttle thirty miles to a road that would be rideable. Unfortunately the first thirty miles we would have to cover were over gravel and dirt roads and up some pretty big hills; something you could probably tackle on a mountain bike, but not with our road bikes.

I was a part of the second shuttle which mean when the first group left at 6:30 we would have some time to kill before we had to load up. In true Bike and Build style, we decided to take a nap. We all woke up around 9:30 and realized that the shuttle still had not come and were a bit concerned (there was absolutely no cell reception out on the reservation and were a little nervous that something had happened to Jack and the van). Turns out that part of the trailer had melted and the whole thing went to hell in a hand basket. Thankfully they were able to get it up and running.

 

The ride was gorgeous as it took us through a variety of landscape including some desolate flat lands and amazing canyons. There were also a bunch of wild horses roaming the country side. I learned befor eleaving Santa Fe the other day that these horses were stolen by the Native Americans. While some were used by local tribes, a large number were set free and the horses we saw today were a part of that contingency.

It was another day of amazing views as we hit the rolling hills of New Mexico. Because of our late start (11:30) and some flats, we ended up arriving to lunch at 3:30. We ended up scarfing down what could get our hands on before banging out the second half of our mileage. The bad news is that there was quite a headwind and we had to be into the host before seven because that is when the showers closed. Thankfully we got there with a little bit of time to spare and were able to swing through and grab a shower before the host provided dinner.

Dinner was provided by our host and the pot luck was great - tons of options was just the ticket after our long ride today. There were a bunch of people from the church joining us from dinner and we got to mix and mingle with a bunch of cool people. There was a couple who served in the Peace Corps together. I was also fortunate to talk with a really cool woman who grew up sailing and competing in events around Chicago. She loved what she was doing, especially when she could show up the bow. I was also able to talk to a man who had been a music teacher his entire career. One of the best things out of the conversation was when he mentioned that when he looks back on his profession he has no regrets, and was completely fulfilled with what he had done and how he had helped to shape his student's lives. This was so refreshing to hear and something I would like to be able to say years down the road when I am ready to retire.

Later that night the over 21 crowd went to a local bar, Three Rvers Brewery, to celebrate Stephanie's real 21st birthday (long story). The vibe was super chill and they had some great craft beers and popcorn.

 

 

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