Today was a tough but a good day. It started off with a several mile gradual descent. We enjoyed it because we knew what was coming! After about 15 miles we stopped at some little place primarily to use the restrooms but it was so cool we decided it was a good place for “second breakfast”. San Marcos Cafe – great little spot.
San Marcos Cafe
After that we headed for the hills – literally! At about 22 miles we started climbing and we climbed steadily for the next 7 miles! We hit grades of up to 9 percent once in a while but it was mostly a steady 5 or 6 percent. The sun was out and the wind was mild and the scenery was great
Looking back down to where we started
– but it was still a long climb on a loaded touring bike at just under 7,000 foot elevation! Along the way, we went through a little funky place called Madrid, NM and it reminded me of being up in Topanga Canyon. We got to the summit, took in the scenery and then enjoyed the descent! We stopped at a place about 5 miles short of our camp site for lunch and had a really enjoyable meal followed by complimentary sopapillas. Everyone agreed it was the hardest day of climbing so far but we all agreed it was a good day. Tomorrow it’s downhill most of the way to Albuquerque so that will be a nice way to start the day!
