GDMBR Day 12

• Start: Grants, NM

• Finish: San Mateo Springs, Cibolla National Forest

• Miles: 23.7 miles

• Odometer: 455.1 miles

• Ascent: 3,300 ft

• Descent: 800 ft

• Location: https://share.garmin.com/Judice

Highlights:

Today was all climb all the time up to San Mateo Springs in the Cibola National Forest (24 miles of mostly climbing). I stopped at the ranger station on the way out of Grants to find out more information about water sources. Most GDMBR riders take the alternate paved route to Cuba, NM rather than heading up and over the mountains and down through the desert because of the typical absence of water during the summer. I had decided that if I found water at San Mateo Springs, that I would camp, load up with water, and push across the desert to Cuba. However, if there was no water at San Mateo Springs I would turn around and ride back down the mountain to Grants and take the alternate route. Fortunately I found water and an ideal camping spot. The spring and the creek are a little tricky to find requiring a hike up the hill. If you’ve never had ice cold mountain spring water, you are missing out.

I camped in a grove of aspen trees and fell asleep listening to the rustling of the leaves in the wind.

Lowlights:

My previously soft, supple baby hands were born and nurtured in the humidity of south Louisiana. They have never quite gotten used to the dry weather out West. These adventures take a toll on my hands. The skin on my hands cracks all over the place. I am not a fan of lotion and moisturizing, however the severity has forced my hand (pun intended) on the issue. Wish me luck.

Observations:

While I am no scientist I do believe there is a correlation between roadside trash and bullet holes in traffic signs. I don’t blame guns for the trash. Guns don’t trash roads, people do. I fucking hate litterers.