Travel Via Gravel

Ouch!  Mad respect to those that finished the TD this year, I wasn't one of them. My failure to complete the course, however, had nothing to do with my bike or gear, no mechanical or electrical issues over ~1,000 miles. I was the problem!! I've got some unfinished business out west. After doing nearly all of my training in the winter and spring in Indiana's cold, wet weather, my body took exception to the no-prep immersion to New Mexico's hot weather and higher-than-I-was-accustomed-to altitude. I had plane tickets to Calgary and hotel reservations in Banff and changed all that to...

After a few days touring the highest elevations on the route (12,000+ft) I limped into Salida, Colorado. I’m going to re-assess my fitness from here. No mechanical issues, the bike is rock solid, it’s the rider! It’s been a real test of my physical limits, and I’m making sure my limits are not going to be a burden on others—specifically, SaR! Here are a few pictures since Abiquiu.           

Friday, June 22. Thought I’d do a quick update on the trip so far for my followers. Today I rode from Cuba New Mexico to Abiquiu lake and I’m staying at the Army Corps of Engineers campground here. The beauty of the site is breathtaking, but the nearest food is 6 miles away, so I’ll be dining on the cache of snacks I bought at the Dollar General in Cuba, NM last night.  Today was an easy day, maybe 55 miles, taking it easy after yesterday’s 130 from Grants, NM. I’m officially “touring” now, some heatstroke-related cramping while crossing the...