Day 7-A Strange Day Indeed

Clovis, NM to Fort Sumner, NM
Distance: 75.18
Time: 5:14:22
Max Speed: 28.4 mph
Average Speed: 19.2 mph

I told everyone that New Mexico roads suck. So far, I have been very wrong, and I can only hope I continue to be so wrong. It was smooth sailing today as the roads were incredibly smooth and the wind was either at our backs or non-existent. I would say we averaged at least 20 mph for most of the day. For some of the long stretches, we had a solid paceline going and probably did not go much below 23 mph.

In the morning, Vitek and Darlene were interviewed on the radio, which went well, and then we went to a centennial celebration for the town of Clovis at their Civic Center where we were introduced and shared our ride dedication for the day with everyone in attendance. We were originally supposed to have given our presentation at the Civic Center, but plans changed and we got to speak before the centennial audience, which was a great opportunity for us. The mayor of Clovis made a very generous donation and also gave us all Clovis centennial pins. We also received donations from others present and it seemed they were all very moved by what we are doing. It is because of people like these that I have come to love taking my time on the road, stopping as often as we like to see the sights and interact with people. It has only been just over one a week, and we have already met some of the most amazing people ever. It is so flattering for these awesome people to tell me that what I am doing impresses them when many of them have knowledge and experience well beyond my years. This is my inspiration, thisis why I ride, to see the joy we bring to all the people with whom we share our journey.

It has been a while since I have been in the desert, and at such a high elevation. Coming into Clovis, the sign said an elevation of about 4,200 feet. That is impressive that we have climbed so much already, though I know we have much more to come. At our first rest stop, we were once again treated to donated McDonald's, Egg McMuffins this time. Oleg said we are all going to get fat from this trip, and I think he may be right, we shall see. After the rest stop, we were flying. It is such an amazing feeling to be doing 20+ mph on a smooth flat road with very little wind. The sound of the tires dancing on the road is such a beautiful and calming sound. I do love it very much.

We stopped in the town of Melrose at this fruit market just as we hit town. They had some amazing cherry and also raspberry cider from Carrizozo, NM. I bought a 2 liter bottle of the raspberry cider, and also got some honey with the comb in it, which I had never had before and is quite delicious. We all stood around outside the store, drinking cider and eating honey with our hands straight from the jar, Winnie the Pooh style. Good times. We also stopped at the Melrose war memorial for all the citizens of Melrose who have died in wars from the Civil War up to the Iraq War. It is amazing how many people from that town have lost their lives in wars, especially since the town's population was just over 700, and the memorial had a list of at least a few hundred names, only those who had died, mind you. At the end of town, we stopped for a bit at a garage sale with some interesting stuff to look at.

All day it was easy riding, my heart rate stayed below 120 for the majority of the time. It was a nice recovery ride after yesterday's taxing ride. It is funny that a 65 mile ride has become a recovery ride for us and 100 mile rides are somewhat routine now. We were also losing elevation ost of the day, so that helped. At our second rest stop, we found a large toad and Shelley kissed the toad, causing the toad to immediately pee all over Oleg's hands and Shelley's chamois. I cannot remember the last time I laughed so hard.

Outside Fort Sumner, we drafted off a tractor driven by a boy who looked to be well under 10 years old. It was a strange sight, and only fitting to follow Shelley being peed on by a toad. We also visited the grave site of Billy the Kid, which was neat.

The town of Fort Sumner is rather small and centered around the fact that Billy the Kid is buried here. Tonight we are staying in an Episcopal church which is very cool, somewhat in the style of an old Spanish mission. Tomorrow we do not have a place to stay, but plan on simply camping on some public property outside of Vaughn, NM as we hope to cut some of the mileage off the following day's ride to Albuquerque.

Peace and Love,
Toad Tito