We were told to pack supplies ( water and food) for the whole 65 mile trip because there were no services. Turns out there was a little shack selling gas, food and drink at a little wide spot in the road, Newkirk, about halfway through.
We refueled and rehydrated as best we could and then started out again. We had passed several members of our group in the morning and only one had shown up at Newkirk as we were about to leave. Everyone was struggling mightily. Some of the riders were only able to average 4 mph!! We were struggling to go 8! At a little place called Cuervo the bicycle route turned away from the frontage road next to the freeway. Dave, the tour leader, had texted everyone that a Plan B would be to jump on the Interstate, I40, and that would save five miles. The four of us had a little discussion and John and Cathy decided to take the official bike route while Kate and I opted for the interstate. We weren’t sure which way Krista had gone. It turns out it only saved a couple of miles but after 3 or 4 miles the shoulder broadened out and it was nice riding ( other than the wind!) In any case, Kate and I made it to Santa Rosa first and stopped immediately at a service station/ quick mart to get some carbos and Gatorade. As we were sitting on the curb, Krista rode by. By 6 pm only the five of us in our group had checked in to the motel! We know some riders are being picked up by car and a couple of other stragglers have made it in so far. We are supposed to be in Santa Fe Thursday evening and then have Friday as a rest day Right now we are all exhausted so Santa Fe looks a long way off! Santa Rosa is at about 4,750 feet and tomorrow we are supposed to go to Romerville at 6,400 feet! We’ll see
Sounds like a really tough day Mike; I’m not surprised that you were able to power through the challenges! I look forward to reading about your day off in Santa Fe!!