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.