Daily Diary 12: Lordsburg NM to Las Cruses NM - 122 miles and 2000 ft climbing

Today was supposed to be a shorter ride, 60 miles to Deming along interstate 10. There wasn’t any breakfast so I loaded up on cliff bars and peanut butter cookies. It started early and slow, with a cross wind and a rough shoulder for the first 10 miles. I stopped for some coffee and more food at a very touristy looking road side store, but the people were super friendly and the Navajo jewelry was really nice. As I got back on the road the shoulder improved and the wind that I had been fighting all week turned to give me a big push from behind. Suddenly I was flying, and in no time I had covered the remaining 50 miles to Deming. I arrived around 1 and stopped for food and to meet a few more Southern route riders! Always fun to connect with others doing what I am doing. I had a hotel reserved but it was cancelable...... Hmmmm just 60 more miles to Las Cruses and if I could get there I would earn an extra rest day. Decision made and I was off! I took some back roads for the first 25 or some miles and the wind got stronger but a bit cross rather than fully behind so my speed slowed. I looked to the right and noticed some of the mountains that had been there were no longer. Then I remembered one of the first survival lessons of Burning Man: when the wind blows hard in the desert, the air fills with sand! Yikes, now I had to fight a sandstorm! Luckily because the wind was coming across from the back, I didn’t get too much in my eyes, but I certainly inhaled quit a bit. My spirits we high with the prospect of completing 122 miles so I was smiling the whole time. Once I was back on I10 the sand settled, the shoulder was smooth, and the wind came more from behind. Before I knew is I crested the hill 10 miles from my hotel and enjoyed a big downhill run. What a day! By far my farthest ride ever, with or without full gear. Definitely proud and encouraged for the distances I am facing in Texas. Rest day tomorrow and then off the El Paso / Clint Texas.