Long day at the office - 11 plus hours on the bike, 142 miles, 8900ft elevation gain, highest altitude of the trip at 10,500 feet. Started at first light this morning and within a few miles the rain had started - it rained most of the day with some thunder and even some sleet on the pass. Once the rain cleared the winds picked up - fortunately there was a lot of downhill into Taos (which is about the same elevation as Pagosa at about 7000ft, we just climbed a ton on the way up) but the headwind still slowed us down. A number of people in the van today at times but everyone that wanted to do the full distance made it by dark - hot chocolate, miso soup, PB&J and other snacks and support helped a ton. Was feeling pretty good about myself for making it but found out at dinner that one of my friends did the entire ride WITHOUT STOPPING. He didn't need too much for fluids with the rain and cold temps so he only went through a water bottle and had some snacks with him... crazy... The Sangre de Cristo mountains were beautiful once it cleared - we missed a lot of great scenery because we were socked in by rain and clouds a good part of the day. Once on the plateau near Taos you suddenly come across the Rio Grande which runs in a huge canyon that you would never suspect looking across the plain - very cool!
Thankfully we have a rest day in Taos tomorrow, which will be awesome and needed. So more on Taos and the hotel tomorrow - right now time for bed...
 |
| Sprinkles to start the trip - this gave way to a downpour about 10 minutes later |
 |
| Always picture NM warm and sunny... |
 |
| There wasn't any sign at the pass, but the van was there with hot drinks and my wind pants for the descent! |
 |
| The Rio Grande canyon |
That's insane ! 142 miles in 11 hours , mostly uphill in the rain .
ReplyDeleteI remember the Sangre de cristo mountains from driving through that area many years ago . beautiful colors as I recall .
JFH