Sat @ Cloudcroft I rode the race course in the AM. Almost all the single track is rocky as in like baseball sized rocks that are not anchored to the ground. Ride right behind a rider and watch the line change because of the rocks rolled free. The first part went thru a fuels reduction cut forest, the skidders beat up the informal trails that are being reridden in. It dropped out onto a logging road for seemed like miles then dumped down the down hill grown in double track w/ some h2o bars. Gravity was my friend as I zoomed down hill. I watched the elevation drop on the Edge knowing I would have to climb back uphill. The downhill stopped just b4 Bailey Canyon road @ the highway 82 switchback. The uphill was up a power line, straight uphill @ 11%. Then a woodsy single track to finish. I shared the GS map and the garmin data w/ the bike shop.
I hung around town. I parked right on Burro street, the former main street. A pick up w/ a big camper pulled in right next to me. Driver called out my name. I didn’t recall his name but I remembered him. We met originally in Moab on one of my Thanksgiving trips. Then again @ Breckenridge 2 years ago. Later that afternoon he found me @ my solitary camp spot out on the race course road. He is now racing the multiday races. Enjoyed our conversation.
The first racers take off @ 10:00 meaning that I needed to be gone or be trapped by them. I made it on time.
Sunday I drove to Ruidoso nearby. I found little detailed riding info but a new bike shop that unfortunately was closed. I walked the main drag which is all about tourist shops. I bought an egg beater @ a well stocked kitchen store. I checked out straw cowboy hats, I need to replace my fur felt hat w/ straw for summer. I visited a handmade soap shop and learned more about making soap. I added another bar to my collection.
Weather threatened rain, actually a few drops fell. I decided no ride. The bike shop is in with a fitness club which is not part of my fitness program. I paid $10 for a tepid shower.
Afterwards i drove out to FT Stanton BLM land looking for a primitive camp spot. I found a slightly developed campground @ a cave entrance. Cave was closed. I the 4 spots to myself. After dark I did not put the mosquito netting up soon enough to prevent an invasion of moths flying to the light above my computer.
My health continues to suck. I am not feeling well generally making eating almost nauseous. I just don’t want to exert myself.
Monday was another drive no exercise day as i drove back roads to Tucumcari, NM. Listen to the words from Willin’ by Little Feat. I have now been to the 4 T’s in the song. I learned that the Blue Swallow motel on Main st: RT 66 had local themed post cards. I stopped in and met the new owner. He and his wife were spit out by corporate America causing them to seek their own version of corporate America. They bought the motel which is world renown. The 2 of them had paint on them from remodeling. they are from Michigan. He said recently all 8 units were filled w/ foreigners, no English spoken.
I drove east out of town on RT 66 until I-40 swallowed it up to check out the local airport for a camp spot. Not even a sign off the county road for the entrance. The terminal is undergoing renovation. I found a guy wearing a uniform shirt and asked him if it was OK to park for the night. Guy was perplexed about my request. He apparently lacked authority but gave me permission anyway. I watched the sun go down w/ the truck traffic out on the interstate providing the back beat.
My back roads went thru flat range land. Lots of grazing acreage where the grasses were golf course short except for the cholla cactus. Some was planted in wheat. Lots of failed farms and ranches. I am near No Mans land written about by Timothy Egan in the Worst Hard Times. I plan on driving up to the OK panhandle to Boise City which was a central town in his book.
Tomorrow I am driving into Texas to Palo Duro SP to ride in the 2nd largest canyon in the US, that is per an advertisement for a mtn bike race there. Going thru Amarillo.
Sorry to you NM folks who offered to share some rides. I am seeking broad leafed trees, shade, and water.
Friend Charlie from eagle, CO is visiting Sedona. he called today. I learned that afternoon temps are 99 degrees.