Save 22 A Day Trans-America Cycling

New Mexico has long touted itself as a state with a rich heritage that is a blend of three different cultures (Native American, Hispanic and European) that have amalgamated in a positive way.   There are 23 Indian tribes located in New Mexico - nineteen Pueblos (most situated near the Rio Grande River), three Apache tribes (the Fort Sill Apache Tribe, the Jicarilla Apache Nation and the Mescalero Apache Tribe), and the Navajo Nation.   New Mexico has been celebrating its diversity well before it has become fashionable to do so.  Cyclists revisiting the state should check out the many Native American and Mexican festivals that take place through the year.  Albuquerque and Santa Fe have large cultural centers in which to learn about the different cultures in New Mexico.   Now back to yesterdays ride.  The prettiest part of it began in Hatch, NM.    Hatch takes pride in being called the chile capital of the world, so there is a...

The link to today's route and statistics is found here . Unfortunately an accident occurred today in Hatch, NM.  No one was injured, but there was major damage to Trans-America Cycling equipment.  Here is an accounting of the incident from Larry of TAC. "It’s all about the adventure! An interesting thing happened on the way to Las Cruces, New Mexico. While properly parked on the side of the road in Hatch, a semi-truck ran into the back of our trailer and pushed my truck and the Trans-America Cycling trailer into a parked car on the opposite side of the street. Luckily, no one was in either of the parked cars.  Our trailer was destroyed and my pickup is no longer driveable.  Many of the team pitched in and helped move luggage and supplies from the trailer to another support vehicle.  We have a great team! No one was hurt and the tour will go on as planned.  We won’t let a minor inconvenience stop us!" Trailer totaled and probably t...

The link to today's route and statistics is found here . Cyclists don't put away your winter clothing yet.  Today was downright cold.  It was overcast all day with temperatures in 50's F, wind over 10 mph and even some raindrops thrown in for good measure.  Yet it was a great day, because any day cycling is a great day. We rode on Interstate-10 about 38 miles today.  The interstate shoulder was very rough for the first 12 miles, so rough that holding a speed of 14 to 15 mph was hard work.  It was so rough that when riders in the rear of the first paceline ran over a dead coyote on the shoulder, it wasn't that big of a deal as compared to all the other bumps in the road.  It's hard calling out a dead coyote to warn other riders in the paceline.  If a rider calls out "coyote," then other riders behind are liable to look off into the scrub bushes to the side to spot a live coyote, and thump.  One doesn't expect to ride over one, says one who lef...

The link to today's route and statistics is found here . Today we crossed from Arizona to New Mexico.  Entering our third state was a significant milestone of our journey.  We also lost an hour in stepping into the Mountain Daylight Time Zone. Celebratory photos of entering New Mexico are shown for two paceline groups.  Today was cooler than many previous days, as evidenced by many of the riders wearing vests in the afternoon when photos were taken.  Temperatures peaked at 66 F, and with wind over 10 mph it was chilly riding. First paceline consisting of John, Ester, Nichole, Hannah, Randy and Alison Second paceline consisting of Kristin, Jim, Ray, Barry, Roberto and Ahnie As we cycled out of Safford, irrigation was in progress in the fields of this region of significant agriculture. Irrigation water flowing out of canal and into furrows from one end to the other A little further down the road our tour company staff posed for a picture on the ba...

The link to today's route and statistics is found here . The morning was cool, low to mid 50's F, and windy, greater than 20 mph, so cyclists put on an extra layer of clothing.  Later in the day and during the ride, the wind increased to a little over 30 mph.  The wind was mostly a tailwind with a crosswind component from the right.  In places with the most  crosswind the wind would change one's direction to the left and the rider would have to correct to the right.  Some lean to the right was also necessary then.  This much wind was a new experience to most of the riders. The course initially had some very long undulations ( sine waves  to engineer Ray from Malta) of 1/4 mile to 1 mile in length (period to Ray).  The main road surface was good, so on the downhills the cyclists could ride near the white line in the roadway and gain considerable speed, to 30 to 35 mph at the bottom of the longer undulations if one let 'er rip.  Riders also...

The link to today's route and statistics is found here . Today was a little cooler than yesterday and there was a little less climbing, but it was still a challenging ride on legs  tired  from yesterday.  Once again Trans-America Cycling (TAC) told us that there is beautiful scenery along the way.  Stop and smell the desert bouquets.  Riders had their cameras ready. Before we get to the pictures, permit the author to share a story about an incident that occurred today in the town of Roosevelt, AZ.  Larry set up the SAG beside M&S Marine, a local business.   The owner of the establishment came by to see what was going on.  Larry explained that we were riding across America on a mission to raise awareness of the high suicide rate among military veterans (an astounding 22 suicides a day) and to promote charities offering solutions to the suicide epidemic.  Once he heard about Train a Dog - Save a Warrior (TADSAW),  the owner, P...