Just wanted to you all know that I  am doing well on my cross country adventure and although a couple of ladies have been injured i have been doing fine.  We wish for our injured friends the best and hope for them to have a speedy recovery.

Today we left the warm surroundings of the inn in Kingston. New Mexico. The 88 mile bike did not seem like 88. I felt the 48 we covered the day before was grewling although i am now icing my knees.

Yesterday began with a series of mishaps. I felt strong about about the ride as we left silver city new Mexico. 5 miles out i ruined my front tire. One of my riding companions Mary suggested we make aboot using a dollar bill.  I had a ten so folded the bill and slid it into tire and filled the tue with air. It worked, i was able to make it to the next sag. At the sag, we put a new tire on. I set off with my new wheel. I realized the day was heating up so took off my jacket and tied it under my seat. I biked about2 miles and headed down a wonderful decent. At the bottom of this decent there were railroad tracks, i slowed slightly, and proceeded to cross the tracks. The bounce jiggled off my jacket. As the jacket fell into my chain. Well needless to say all hell broke loose.the back end of my bike slid around to the handle bars. I managed to keep the bike upright but destroyed another tire and tube. So... Now i have matching new wheels. The rest of the day was a beautiful ride. A long climb up a mountain canyon and fast ride down eight miles in snow and rain.  Hah! We were rewared with a thankgivivg dinner.

We welcome the cool air after the 4000ft climb yesterday.  The heat, coupled with wind and traffic made cycling dicey. One of the gals carries a calorie burner estimate on her wrist and we are happy to report over 6000 calories burned yesterday. Although the ride in the canyon was beautiful there was no safe spot to stop and take pictures, perhaps tomorrow with the 78 miles we will be covering. Silver city is in our sights but still a couple days away.

Cycling through miles of city today with a sweat fragrance in the air. We had our first police escort . I was so thankful for the help. Tomorrow we climb over 4000 feet. I have been told the road may be narrow and busy. We will head out early in hopes of keeping our group closer together.

Climbing. Climbing. And more climbing. But... At the end of the day we are rewarded with down hill.

Amazing day, and yes it was tough. 7.5 plus miles of climbing. Happy tobe showered with my feet up and my knees under ice. Beautiful hotel the last two nights. Love it.

I am waiting in the quiet of the morning. Waiting to begin my first day of my journey. Weather is another beautiful day in san diego. I have already been to the gyme to warm up my musles . i think i will go get coffee.

What is it about sleeping the night before a big trip? I cannot do it.  I leave at 6:20am and each minute feels like an hour.  I have been up so long tossing and turning I don't think I dare sleep now nearly 2:00am.  My girl friend asked me to go to a Pure Barre workout with her.  I hurt all over. The Taxi will be here at 4:45am and I just would like an hour of sleep.  Just a little nap.

One thing great about traveling with Woman tours is meeting the wonderful guides.

My Bermuda Guides were exceptional.

My bike is at the bike shop in San Diego and the shop is assembling it.  As I pack and repack, I am not sure what I may be forgetting.  Trying to get my bags weighing 30lbs is a trick. It is difficult to bring only one book so... I will probably sneak in two. Think light! All my papers are printed out and ready for use.

I am never bored riding my bicycle.

Leaving Minneapolis glad to have  -14 degrees  behind us, heading to ND for a quick check on the farm. I cannot get my mind off cycling, it is just around the corner.  CAN'T WAIT! NO WORK OUT IN DAYS.

Each day I dream about my escape. Riding down the open road. Pumped up in the elements. With thoughts of it all becoming reality.

As I contemplate my trip, I think back to my winter training. The views across America keep me ever stimulated to its' next encountered scene.

Counting down, my trip of a life time.  Over 3000 miles of road will I make it?  Fear.... go away.  Bike early, and rest in the afternoon.  Hmmm!