Into the High Plains

Into the High Plains

Monday 27^th May, 2019

Day 17

Location: Las Vegas to Tucumcari, NM

Distance:109 miles   Biked only 81 miles

Temp: 48 – 89 F  sunny

   Wind: 5 mph tailwind until 10:00 AM

              changing to 20 mph crosswind and then by noon

              30-35 mph crosswinds and headwinds gusting to 55 mph

Cumulative climbing distance:  3,362 ft

Cumulative descending distance:  4,885 ft

 

This morning we left the mountains and headed east into the high plains, but still at 6250 ft elevation.  The first 3 hour were the best bike ride of the trip.  Temp was ideal for biking with a 10 mph tailwind from the mountains.

 

But all changed about 10:00 AM as the winds switched to a 20 mph southeastern wind and then to 30-35 mph wind gusting to 55 mph by noon.  We were then heading in a generally southeastern and easterly direction.  Thus a constant headwind or crosswind.  The beautiful ride switched to maximum effort.

 

 

Judi at 7:15 AM as departed Las Vegas.

 

 

 

 

 Our destination is Tucumcari.

 

 

 Looking backwards at the snow-capped mountains as we head into the plains.

 

 

 Judi in my side mirror.

 

 6-foot rattle snake enjoying the early morning sunshine along our roadway.

 

 

 Abandoned ranch.  Note the stone wall construction of the house and the adobe mud brick construction of the barn.  We have observed many old building using this construction materials throughout New Mexico.

 

 

 Morning SAG wagon stop for food and liquids.

 

 Abandoned store.

 

Heading into a box canyon with a 3-mile 9% downward grade.

 

 

 Top of the box canyon.

 

 

 Halfway down into the canyon.

  

Flowering cactus.

 

 Battling the headwinds and watching the mileage signs as we pedal on to Tucumcari.