June 9 — Santa Rosa, NM to Tucumcari, NM (110 Miles)

Today was scheduled to be a half day with a modest 60 mile ride from Santa Rosa to Tucumcari, except for the fact we didn’t make it to Santa Rosa last might. We got up a little earlier and headed back 44 miles to yesterday’s stop point and started pedaling from there. Air temps were in the low 60s, elevation was favorable, legs felt strong and (thank God) we had a tail wind.

I covered the 44 miles in 2 hours averaging just over 22 miles/hour. Easily the strongest two hours of the entire journey. We arrived back in Tucumcari by 10am, had another bite to eat, and decided to be tourists for a couple of hours checking out the local auto museum and taking a dip in the world famous Blue Hole, a 60’ in diameter 80′ deep wonder of nature. Water temperature, a chilly 61 degrees. There were threatening clouds all afternoon but no rain. We checked into the Tucumcari Best Western and then headed over to Del’s Restaurant for a great meal. Average speed from start to finish just under 18 mph. All in all another great day!!!

Relaxing after putting in 44 miles by 10am.

They’re about the same age. Both looking stunning.

That’s where I got my newest favorite hat.

Oaky, let’s go swimming.

Big Tex with a jack knife.

Red clay river.

Not the Best Western we stayed in.

With our server.

Chris Miller, an Army veteran from St. Louis, returns as a crew member to pilot the RV.

Another great day!!!!