Day 17 = Caballo Lake to Las Cruces
- hutchisonalanj
- Mar 23, 2023
- 2 min read
Lake Caballo State Park to Las Cruces, NM. The ride was 58 miles and mostly descending. The day promised to be windy as we started to come down from the mountains. The wind wasn’t too bad early on, but grew in intensity as the day wore on. There were a few places with a tail wind, but mostly it was a cross wind or a headwind. Early on the ride went through Hatch, a small town known as the chili capital of the world. They have a chili festival there. All along Main Street the businesses hung bunches of dried chilies and some businesses went further than that with their displays.
We also rode by large pecan of tree groves. The night before the ride we discussed the pronunciation of Pecan. I’ve always heard the word as pe-kawn with accent on the first syllable. A couple of people from the south call them pe-Cans with the accent on the second syllable. Someone said, “if it is pronounced with accent on the first syllable, it’s nothing but a Pee Can.”
As the day wore on, the wind intensified. Riding was getting more difficult. The last seven miles were straight into a very strong wind. The four of us who were riding together finally started drafting, where someone starts off and the other riders follow very closely in a line behind the leader. This allowed for at least some relief from the strong, gusty wind. We traded positions every half mile giving everyone at least some relief from the wind. All for now, falling asleep writing this......
Here is a picture of the group. Dennis, in the green jacket and red hat, is one of our leaders. They are both amazing and do alot to keep us safe and organized. Dennis' dog has cancer and he is returning home to care for it - that's the kind of guy he is. He will be missed! I am on the right end looking pretty bald because I cut all of my hair and beard off before the ride started. After Shirley broke her elbow and she and her husband left, we are down to 11 riders. Nine men and two women. All amazing people!
I was sorry to hear about the injury and resulting departure of two of your cycling comrades. It appears they were experienced riders, so they knew the risks at the outset, but it is always startling when accidents happen. I have ridden with one of your tour leaders, and I have no doubt she sprung into action and gave those departing cyclists the best care possible.
What a wonderful way to see the country. I admire your grit as you ride into those strong headwinds! Be safe.
This is great love reading about your journey ,have safe travels