Some Pictures and the thoughts of Gene:-
Got in real late last night off of the mountain…well into the night. Donnie took over the riding this morning and we had to detour to New Mexico to go around the wildfires... Donnie powered down into New Mexico and the winds were high but he motored through. Up and down rollers is very hard sometimes the distance is harder than a long climb. Jason and I moved ahead for my stage Red River to Angelfire to Bobcat pass another pass??!! We saw the huge mountain range and my legs were still rubbery from Wolf Creek Pass yesterday.
Well I had gotten under way and Jason prepped me with all my needs but what good is all the prep if you forget it. As Jason motored away to meet with Donnie I began my climb I reached for a water bottle and they weren’t there oh!!??? I had to go on and with no phone service. A few miles up about 10 a.m. or so I came across a power plant where the guys were eating lunch. One of the guys gave me a water bottle and I was under way a little less dehydrated but just a little thirsty when Jason and Donnie showed up. I refueled and we came across a town which was beautiful and right in the middle of the mountains perfectly flat for about 2 miles with 3,000 ft mountains all around.
Just spectacular!!! I started up the hill which became steep really fast. The road was rough with small round pea gravel everywhere…just perfect for cycling!!!???? There were some other areas which were better but overall a mess. It caused me to dig a little deeper on this climb but sometimes you can loose the pain when you think of something great. I miss my family I wish they could see what these eyes are seeing. As Donnie and Jason arrived 3,000 ft of climbing was coming to a conclusion…this one is for Claire!!
Thank you Glenn, my coach, who taught me everything about cycling in just a short time.
One good thing about climbing a huge mountain pass is the ride down. I started my decent into the valley. My speed I could not believe…60.4mph to be exact…look mom no hands! I rode down to the bottom and into the valley. Mountains, fields, horses, cows, prairie dogs, etc. you name it it’s here…even buffalo. Jason got a kick out that. Donnie started his next stage and man what a ride. He had winding hills and rollers and smiling from ear to ear. It’s getting late we said just 10 miles more. He was havng a blast as we all were this was probably the coolest day so far. We miss every one and all who have helped us so far your all in our thoughts throughout the day.
To Glenn Stoll of Highlands Health and Fitness, THANK YOU for everything. From the first day I asked for your help you have forwarned me of al the things we would encounter. You helped me prepare for the suffering in the desert and the speeds of the down hill. Such as going from 110 degrees to 45degrees in a few hrs. Those kinds of extremes take a toll on the body but you prepped me and coached me to be able to adjust and battle through. You reminded me of my limits, my strengths and my weaknesses all the while prepping me mentally for the very days we are experiencing. You are the best THANK YOU for all that you’ve done including dissecting the route and always having time for a quick chat. I’ll talk to you soon
