Gar's #6

Mexican Hat to Dulce, New Mexico

Today we hit our fifth state in five days, and after the wonders of California, Nevada, Arizona and Utah... What would New Mexico have in store.

A day of almost perfect cycling is what, with all groups completing each of their legs in double quick time. Belcher boy and myself hit out from Mexican water and after the opening three miles of rustyness was behind us, the Tarmac just slides underneath our burning tyres.

A big factor today was the conditions, with only a slight crosswind to contend with on occasions, days like these are a cyclists dream. The temperature perfect, the cool air crisp, the only danger as had was of hungry dogs chasing us along the highways as they ran from their shaded porches.

The towns of Shiprock and Farmington soon flew by, and but for the smell of roast mutton being sold by Navajo Indians on the hard shoulder, nothing was holding us back.

As we flew by farrington, the camper came into life, the mobile phone signal had returned, and everyone had an opportunity to speak to loved ones back west. You could see all the tension and frustration from previous days lift, and Hms hwyl was in full swing, similar to receiving mail on the old Hms eagle, was merv's dit of the day.

We are now in Dulce, New Mexico, and tomorrow sees us enter the excitement of Taos, where locals, led by Marilyn and Randy have pulled out all the stops. It promises to be an unforgettable occasion. The only thing in our way, another 150miles or so, and peaks of over 10,500ft, which will bring with it frozen winds and long climbs. I don’t think anybody can wait.

A few figures
1... The number of cougars seen by Phillipousis
2... The approximate gallons of phlegm that now line the roads of Arizona thanks to the intake of copious amounts of sand.
3.. We're a third of the way through this trip, and everyone Geelong great
4... Four corners, Utah, Arizona, Colorado and new Mexico
5...the days into the trip, and states visited
6...the number of guys without whom this trip would fall to a standstill, (support crew in case you were wondering)
7...wonders in this world apparently, if monument valley and the Grand Canyon aren't on that list...they bloody well should be.
8..the number of days we've all been away from our families. Miss you all
9...tequila, southern comfort, Andrew Porth, say no more!
10...thousand feet plus tomorrow. Bring it on.

Pops