We completed 74 miles today. We spent much of the ride on the Old Santa Fe Trail and we climbed to our highest altitude to date, 7500 ft. near Pecos National Park. It should have been a very pleasant day, but we were challenged with bad weather from the onset.
We left the Hotel early this morning, hoping to get a jump on the high winds that were forecasted to develop in early afternoon. We were successful in that regard, but we did got caught in rain, pretty much on and off all day. Most of the rain was light, but one storm managed to run us down and it was severe. We were briefly showered with hail before we found a culvert to take refuge. Dan took the picture below a few minutes before the storm ran us down.
Storm Approaching from West
Knowing the weather would only get worse, we had to hustle to regain our position. We eventually arrived at the Hotel just as the winds were starting to gust to a dangerous level, arriving safe, but wet and cold.
I suppose the weather is something we will have to plan around as we begin to enter the central and then eastern portions of the US. Although I have been struggling with all the mountains out West, at least the weather has been generally good. What I are realizing is that although Dan and I thought we did a great job of planning this trip, we are really learning as we go. Our discussion with Tim and Vicki Arnold, both veterans of long distance cycling and cross-country trips, made me realize that we have much to learn. Fortunately or not, we are getting plenty of on-the-job training.
We are now resting in Las Vegas until Saturday morning when we will depart for Tucumari, New Mexico. I am remembering our last rest day, one week ago, and recall wondering what I would do to occupy the day. Presently, I have absolutely no worries about what I will do. I am going to do nothing. I am going to put ice on my sore joints and just enjoy sitting in a comfortable hotel room. We have completed 990 miles since starting in Costa Mesa. We are 1/3 of the way complete.
About tomballay
55 year old Engineer and Business Owner
Part Time Cyclist
tomballay 
Wow – 990 miles! I better get all my fun in, you’ll be back before I know it.
Tom and Dan, congrats on your 33% milestone!
Just catching up on your progress after several days …. wish I could have warned you about Las Vegas NM ahead of time, and told you to take your rest in Santa Fe … LOL
I drove much of the route you are currently on a couple of years ago … wish I could tell you how thrilling the coming scenery of eastern NM is going to be … but that would unfortunately be a vicious lie … ha!
Keep up the great effort … glad to hear you two are both still in good health and spirits.
990 miles in two weeks, That sounds like devotion.