Dau 16 - Springer, NM to Clayton, NM (85 bike miles, 1133 cumulative miles)

The headwinds that we had experienced the day before apparently were part of a cold front since the weather was chilly when we started out from the Oasis Motel and got progressively foggier, colder and then drizzly. Fortunately the wind was not too bad and it was mostly downhill. But towns and services were widely spread apart. Our waiter from the night before, Gary, had mentioned that there was only one small town between Springer and Clayton, a distance of about 83 miles.

With my hands and feet cold from the fog and the rain, I was pushing hard to get to Gladstone, which was about 42 miles from Springer (leaving Charlie and Kriss behind). There I found the delightful Gladstone Mercantile, which was a real oasis! I got a cup of coffee, which helped warm me up a bit. I took off my wet shoes and socks and enjoyed both the warmth and ambience of the charming grocery/crafts store that obviously is a labor of love by the owner, Thelma, and her husband. It was then on to Clayton and the KOA campground there for the remaining 43 miles, where unfortunately Charlie experienced a flat tire.

Day 15 - Taos to Springer (83 bike miles, 1048 cumulative miles)

We bid goodbye to Taos (and the Paragon Inn) and began what was to be one of the most beautiful and enjoyable rides of the trip, as well as, for the last 20 miles, one of the most difficult. We would take the southern route around Wheeler Peak (el: 13,161 ft) that would take us through an area of beautiful homes, galleries and ranches on the outskirts of Taos, then up a climb of about 3,000 ft through Angel of Fire and finally to the charming town of Eagle Nest.

Just past Eagle Lake, we started the next climb where road construction was taking place that would lead us to the incredibly beautiful Cimarron Canyon.

We stopped for lunch by Cimarron Creek just before the start of the Cimarron Canyon.

Much too quickly we emerged from the canyon and entered the town of Cimarron (el 6430 ft.), which is at the boundary of the Rocky Mountains and the Great Plains. Here we would leave our beloved Route 64 on which we had traveled about 310 miles since entering New Mexico.

We were now clearly in the Great Plains with flat dry land as far as you could see. We spotted a number of animals including the antelope in the center picture below. We also crossed the Santa Fe trail which brought many pioneers into New Mexico. But as we continued on Route 58 the head winds started to pick up and got stronger and stronger, making the 25 mile trip from Cimarron to Springer extremely difficult. In Springer, we stayed at the Oasis Motel, and savored an enjoyable dinner at the Simple Simon pizzeria.

Day 14 - Taos (rest day) (10 bike miles around town)

Today was a much needed DAY of REST! We checked out the UU Congregation in Taos, but alas, they only have services the first and third Sundays of the month.

We stayed at a lovely Campground about 5 miles outside Taos with a beautiful view of the mountains. I got a nice photo of a prairie dog!

After a leisurely morning, we checked out the local bike shop in Taos which had Sunday hours. Charlie and I spotted a motel for $49 in town so we grabbed it. I (Bill) biked to the Taos Indian Resevation and took the very interesting tour.

A visit of the Taos square followed - very charming. Next I stopped into a Batik and furniture gallery and got a personal tour of the beautiful are work by Gary.

The evening ended with a great dinner at Ricky's (they obviously don't know how to spell!)

Day 13: Tierra Amarilla, NM to Taos, NM (78 bike miles)

Forget about the Continental Divide... Today was going to be the real challenge!!!!! We would be climbing over 3,000 ft to the Brazlo pass, which is at elevation 10,500 ft!

Charlie "effortlessly climbing the mountain. Our indominable SAG driver, Martha played possum and hit each of us with snow balls as we rode by.

Finally, we reached the Pass and it would be downhill (mostly) from here.

We are now out of the snow, but when we got down around 7000 ft el., we would hit a head wind for the last 20 miles to TAOS. OUCH!! About 10 miles from Taos, I passed Earthship which is a community of passive solar heated homes. There are Spaceship communities in over 40 countries. They give tours but it was getting late and I was looking forward to being finished for the day.

The next treat was reaching the Rio Grande Gorge, which was over 800 ft deep. It was quite a spectacular sight. While it looks like only a ribbon of water, there is white water rafting that takes place in this area.