Periodic Progress Report Southern Tier Cross-Country Bicycle Tour

Date(s): Oct. 4, 1999
Day: Monday
From: Buckhorn
To: Pinos Altos
Lodging: Continental Divide RV Park
Segment Mileage:
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Actual Riding Time:
Average Speed:
Weather: Warm, sunny
Temp: high 80's

Now that the elevation is over 5,000 feet, the nights and mornings are cold. Last night it was 38 deg F, cold enough to wear fleece and use the down sleeping bag. Janet and Bob treated us to pancakes for breakfast. Those with gloves used them, those without planned to buy some in Silver City. The cold weather may not last long, but better to be prepared. We got a later start because of the time change, but Oliver and I were still among the last to leave. The morning was spent on a gradual climb to the Continental Divide, 6 miles west of Silver City. Since there was no bread at the Buckhorn store, we made sandwiches with crackers, and after eating them I was still hungry, and stopped at a Silver City diner for tostados.

Silver City is home to Western New Mexico Univ (or college), and is a very funky town with lots of coffee shops and bookstores; probably the nicest town we've been to so far. It also has two bike shops, and nearly everyone stopped for bike adjustments, including a couple of new seats for sore bottoms. We met at the supermarket to load up on provisions that we will have to carry up the 6 mile climb to Pinos Altos.

Today the group seemed to slow down and take it's time getting to Silver City. It's been 2 weeks that we've been on the road, and the adrenaline is wearing down and we're starting to take it a little easy. Several people rode alone on the long ride to Silver City.

The ride to Pinos Altos was difficult, with several long climbs, and a steep climb at the end. The extra weight of groceries didn't help. We are finally on a proper tent campsite, and can spread out a little on the grass, with a view of the mountains to the north, where we'll be heading tomorrow.