The start of a great work of art (or chuck)
- Watch out for rattlesnakes
- Really old church ruins
- Signage – can u read it?
- Awesome mesa and mountains
- Nice vistas!
Good afternoon everyone!
I hear that it is a hot and humid day back in my hometown of St. Louis Mo – and I would trade for that today because I fell like I was wind-cured today. I confess that I probably got way too much sun yesterday on our day off. I think this was the most physically demanding day that I have had and tomorrow lurks with an additional 37 miles give or take.
WE did a lot of climbing and experienced our last rides on interstate highways (booyah!!!). However, the side wind was horrendous and seemed to get worse as the day went on. It was less than 60 degrees when I started in Santa Fe and had on arm warmers plus a jacket. Although it warmed up to 90 at various points, I never took them off because I then felt cold – a rarity for me. I did spend a little time at the Pecos National Historic Park and the ruins of a very old mission church. The scenery around Pecos was breathtaking and i took a few photos which I will share.
The SAg was at mile 44 and we did a lot of Missouri like climbing from that point on. Unfortunately, I could not take much advantage of the downhills because of the side winds. The roads were clear of debris but had a lot od depressions and bumps which makes for sporadic riding.
When i got it, I couldn’t believe how red I was even though I put on sun screen. I took 2 naps and still feel depleted and skipped the route rap and dinner with the crew. I will also say that I have not turned on the TV in our rom since the ride began. Neither has Larry – no time and no interest.
I sincerely hope that everyone is enjoying this Memorial Weekend and spending some time in remembrance of those who have served our country. I continue to meet a lot of nice folks along the route and we all united in many ways. Living in this great country is a privildege and we often forget that a lot of our fellow men and women made great sacrifices to secure that for us. Freedom is not free ….
Ciao
Chuck
chuckhardesty 
Chuck, I am still eager to receive your blog entry every day. It’s exciting to have heard about what you are doing as well as experience it through your daily updates. When I checked the route and schedule I was excited to learn your group would be stopping in McPherson, KS, a mere 13 miles from where I am now living. I thought, “Great, I think i will get to see the group and maybe buy Chuck an adult beverage.”. Then I realized I would be out of town in Arizona on vacation. I am driving my jeep down there to do some four wheeling in Canyon de Chelley. Anyway, it turns out the first leg of my drive takes me to Dalhart, TX the same night all you bikers will be there. I am planning on getting in early. So maybe there’s a chance I will get to shake your hand and wish you well.
Warm Regards,
Ed Pilewski
Hi Ed,
Many thanks for following my Blog. Well that is too bad that I won’t be able to catch you in McPherson KS, but perhaps we can see each other in Dalhart TX. I know that it will be a long ride for us (95 miles) after a 108 mile day. I will be staying at the Holiday Inn Express and i have no idea what time I will get in. Depends on climbing and prevailing winds. The Holiday Inn is at 8o1 Liberal St. We typically have route rap at 5:45 but we change time zones as well – so it may be 6:45 and we usually have dinner right after.
Let me know if you could come over either before or after- i would love to say hi or have a beer and reminess about our old AGE days
Cheers
Chuck
Hey Chuck,
I love the pottery picture! Glad you are having such a good time. Since your in Vegas would you put $10 on red for me at the roulette table? :-). just kidding!
Hi Lisa,
Yes, some days we have some fun – today is going to be really tough…I think that is the other Las vegas!
Cheers
Chuck