We are seeing a to of Mesas along the route in NM
- taking it easy for a spell
California and Arizona are now history!!!
to cross the dry creek beds
Hello everyone,
I can say this was a tough day. The heat, wind, flats and steady climb took its toll. I knew that there would be days like this when I signed up but I feel completely wasted. To make matters worse the internet connection here is horrendous so I may not get to add photos until tomorrow.
We ran into the first “issue” at about miles 15. The highway was under construction and we had to port our bikes over 2 dry creeks and walk through a couple of hundred yards of art and sane. I had “only” 1 flat today (front tire) and promptly put in tire liners when I changed the tube. My rear tire had a slow leak and it took me all 90 miles but I had to inflate it a couple of times along the way. At the second SAG, it was down to 40 psi (I usually keep iy at 115 -120psi).
The good news is that we crossed our second state line into New Mexico. The highway conditions have been not so hot as well. A lot of debris, rough roads and construction make traveling difficult. Not a lot of places to stop. I did duo the ritual sand sprinkling around the state line – it supposedly prevents flats and headwinds!
I was so beat at mile 80 that I would have taken a ride had one come along. After  I got to the hotel, I went out and had 3 tacos, a drink, and two bottles of chocolate milk (helps with muscle recovery) and a bag of potato chips. Then we went to dinner. The highlight of which was 3 of our members taking a crack at the mechanical bull. Cindi made it to level 5 and neve
chuckhardesty 
Keep up the journey! Life is always filled with rough roads and obstacles to keep us from attaining our goal, but if you keep on going, you will succeed beyond your wildest imagination! YOU ROCK, CHUCK!!! You are doing a GREAT job and we are all rooting for you!!!!
Thanks Andi – I appreciate that. I just need a good night’s sleep and some geritol!
Gitty Up!!!!! My Dad told me stories of you growing up…. What a brave, challenging AWESOME adventure you are taking. Be safe and ride on! Thanks for sharing your journey 🙂
Hi Melanie,
Well I bet that he had quite a few stories of all the kids living on the block! We certainly had some adventures and as you might guess, I have not changed in many respects – still getting myself in trouble! There are many fond memories from those days. Thank you for following and all your nice comments. Tell your dad I said “Hi”! Chuck
sounds like a difficult day. but you pushed through! tomorrow will be easier…. I know the VIEWS must be outstanding.
I thought it was the hardest day thus far. Riding on a “soft” tire, the wind, traffic, highway construction, heat didn’t help/ The views are awesome! I hold be taking more photos than I am. I’ll post a photo I took of a mesa yesterday. Still hoping that someone passes along some of the bull riding photos… Today is only 68 miles …..
Hang in there Chuck. I know you can do it. I am cheering for you and look forward to your daily updates.
Thanks much Duane – if it wasn’t for the flats, wind, heat, climbing and long hours on a hard skinny saddle this would be a breeze…. Comments much appreciated…
Chuck
Hi Chuck,
Ally and I just finished reading about your hard day, Ally thought it was funny how much food you ate after the ride. We are keeping you in our prayers for a safe journey. See you in a few weeks.
Lisa and Ally
Hi Lisa and Ally!
Yes, I am eating a LOT more than normal and still losing weight. My Garmin calculates calories burned and it is usually about 5000 or more. Thanks for the prayers and well-wishes and I look forward to seeing you all soon!
Chuck