Friday, April 11, 2008

Check Out the Links

Hi All,

Had a great riding today from Arrey to Las Cruces. We are staying at the home of Ed and Kristy. Thank you! They are great Hosts. The ride today was just under 60 miles and mostly flat with a few rolling hills. The wind is still blowing 10-20 mph, but it is mostly a side or tail wind. This is big sky country with breath-taking views and landscapes. The pictures below tell the story of the last two days. Running out of time! Check out Frank's and Dee's Blog on this tour. Links on the left column.

Road to Las Cruces

Another stop at Hatch for lunch and drinks

The landscape from Fort Seldon

Taking a break at Fort seldon

Hwy 157 to Las Cruces

The Organ Mountains

Arrey to Las Cruces

Dick, owner of the RV park

Onward to Las Cruces

Breakfast of biscuit and gravy

The landscape

Riding with the Wind

We had the wind at our back for 10 miles

All the way to Caballo

Didn't hardly have to pedal

Land of the big sky, Caballo Reservoir in the distance

Arrey RV Park

Riding to Arrey

First 8 miles were mostly downhill

Stopping for Bumbleberry Pie

Cafe in Hillsboro

Outside the Cafe

Some climbing, then more downhill

Leaving Black Range Lodge

It's a good thing it was a rest day! We got snow and hail

The gang and Thanks to Pete and Catherine

Tom, Catherine, and Pete of the Black Range Lodge

Ready to Go

Downhill run

Wednesday, April 9, 2008

At the Black Range Lodge

A time of rest, maintenance, reading, eating, and rest again! Also, some good news, Jeff and Christina are back with the group and we are whole again.

The House


Breakfast, don't wait, dive in

Tom doing his thing...

Group R & R

Dick catching up on the news

Second Rest Day at the Black Range Lodge

This is our second rest day and we are staying at a historic Bed and breakfast, the Black Range Lodge in Kingston, NM. It's good to have another opportunity to update this blogsite directly. Thanks Kay for your continual updates.

The 45-mile ride to Kingston started from Silver City with mostly steep rolling hills followed by @ 18 miles of climbing over Emory Pass at 8,225 feet. The scenery was fantastic, however this was one of the most difficult days so far. Tom and I stopped numerous time during the last miles to rest, catch our breath, eat, and enjoy the views. The grades were not too steep, but it was just a long long climb on tired legs to start with. The vista near the pass to the east was breath-taking. Our day ended with an 8-mile downhill into Kingston.

The rest day gives me a chance to post more pictures and to reflect on the past week. On news from home, I was shocked and sadden to learn that our dear friend Patti Masuda, wife of Geno, had passed away. Geno and I have been friends for the past 12 years after he invited me to participate on a 2-week loaded bike tour in Colorado. Since that time, Geno and I have ridden countless miles together and traveled together along with Patti and Kay both near and far. I will always remember our trips to Costa Rica and Belize as well as the many other good times together. Besides being a gifted and creative person, travelling was definitely one of Patti's passions. Over the years, we have done much together and it's difficult to recall it all. As I rode the roadways this past week, memories would surface and I found myself crying within where no one could hear.

When I first decided to do this ride across the country ride, I can still remember so clearly how excited Patti had been for me. She and Geno have always encouraged me to follow my dreams and to enjoy life to the fullest which may have led to my early retirement. Kay and I will miss Patti dearly. "Geno, my journey across the country had been wonderful so far, but I am also sad that I can not be at home during this most difficult of times for you. Know only that I have you and Patti in my heart and mind. I will finish this tour and and in my heart, dedicate this ride to Patti." Herb

Tuesday, April 8, 2008

Top of Emory Pass

Vista on top of Emory Pass

It's an 8-mile downfill to Kingston

From Silver City to Emory Pass

Silver City street art

We decided to stay in cabins due to the cold mornings

Frank in his new Walmart pant; Looking cool..

Santa Rita Copper Mine

Tom at the Pass

BuckHorn to Silver City

Morning scene leaving Buckhorn

The picture saids it all

Dropping into Silver City

Tom riding into old town Silver City

New Mexico Here We Come


The rolling fields and landscape of the NM


Steve enjoying the time after the ride

Our camp at Buckhorn

The Climb over to Buckhorn

Heading to the big climb of the day


Me near the top

The road up

The gang at the top