GDMBR Day 16

• Start: Cuba, NM

• Finish: Informal roadside campsite

• Miles: 27.3 miles

• Odometer: 585.6 miles

• Ascent: 4,500 feet

• Descent: 2,700 feet

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

Highlights:

Today was a pretty big climb out of Cuba into the Santa Fe National Forest. In the past few years I have spent a fair amount of time in many different national forests, and the Santa Fe National Forest is one of the most beautiful and healthy. Riding through firs, Pondarosa pines, and aspen groves taught me to slow down and relax, breathe deeply, and take it all in. No need to rush through all this beauty. Since the start of this trip there’s always been a fear of water scarcity; however, the creeks and streams were overflowing and running fast. I found a beautiful wind-protected campsite and was getting ready to prepare my dinner when a couple of bikepackers, Janie and Jimmy, came riding by and stopped. It turns out that they will be competing in the Great Divide Race starting next month up in Banff, Canada. This endurance race is for hard-core, tough-as-nails athletes. It is completely self-supported and many of the cyclists ride through the night. The race ends at the Mexican border. In fact, they race the same trail that I’m leisurely riding except in the opposite direction. I am looking forward to crossing the racers paths in the second or third week of June. In the case of Janie and Jimmy, they were on a training ride testing out their gear, their bikes, and their legs. They gave me some addaboys too which made me feel pretty darn good.