Gar's #7

Dulce to Taos, New Mexico - Day 6

It's hard to believe that it's only day six, as we've seen and experienced so much already, but the days seem to just get better.

The early depart from Dulce saw both groups eat up some morning road in crisp, sub zero conditions. We were soon at the foot of the the highest climb of the challenge, 10,500 ft or so, the highest any of the group has ever climbed, going into the unknown.

After 7 miles of steady, continuous climbing, and a view that stretched across the snow topped new Mexican mountains, all 4 crossed the summit together, where the fear of altitude effects seemed to be fogotten. The town of Taos was calling, and the cougar and bear tracks were probably an indication to get a move on.

The four of us continued the descent to Taos, and with speeds hitting 40mph, the road soon dissapeared. We arrived at the Rio Grande Gorge, tiny in stature compared to the grand canyon, but equally as impressive when you cross the bridge staring into the abyss below.

Finally. Taos, and after over six months of communication between the bear and marilyn, resulted in one he'll of a welcoming party. Members of taos cycling club helped with the draft, and once the police esort caught up with us, it was over to Zorro and his trusty steed to navigate us around the plaza as marilyn gave the traditional 'Whoop whoops' from the mike. The in time, made rich piss his pants, which seems to have resulted in the most common side effect of altitude... The giggles.

What folowed...you'll have to see the videos. A Mariachi band, Billy Archiletta on guitar, zorro doing his tricks, the mayor and his sidekick, Paul and Grace Jones with their peace pipes (there's one for the office in the case!!). What can you say...speechless.

The early arrival meant a jaunt around the village and an opportunity to get some gifts. $50 later, and the only items bought were from the local cycling Shop...sorry ler, you'll have to wait til Florida where some real thought and effort can be applied.

Back to the accomodation for the night, and the old b&b has transformed into a palatial ranch. Outdoor jacuzzi, hot tub baths, and a barn the size of the Porth. The nights entertainment, peace pipes, BBQ, zorro...without the horse, and Phillipousis on guitar to finish. Unfortunatley, the welsh contingent couldn't keep up with the days standards, and almost killed bread of heaven, calon lan and hen wlad fy nhadau, but the New Mexican loved it.

Today, in a word, surreal. Hard to understand why complete strangers would go to so much effort to welcoming a group of wannabe cyclists, you could have sworn lance was in town. It has set a standard of welcoming that we can only attempt to immitate back home, but the same can be said for all destinations so far. Tip top.

Tomorow, our final major climb to 9,500 ft, then it's due south east to Melrose and Clovis, just before the Texan border. More of the same...yes please.

10-4. Pops oh yeah, we've passed the 1000miles mark too...where exactly, I couldn't tell you. It got lost on all the excitement.