New Mexico... Land of Enchantment, "AWESOME" Friendly People, and Goat-heads...

   We have arrived in Roswell New Mexico, home to an apparent "Alien" invasion, and the first point in our journey where the ground has leveled out and there are no longer ANY mountains in view. We are all in need of some rest and perhaps some reflection as we have now been riding for 13 days without a break. 

   Our daily mileage has been a disappointing at 45-50 miles each day (we had predicted 60-70) however given the terrain, the weather (wind), and bumps in the road, ... goat-heads, thorns, glass, steel belted tread in the road, etc... we our doing our best to accept that we are exactly where we need to be. The upside for me has been that we have seen and experienced the AWESOME people and spectacular scenery of California, Arizona, and now New Mexico at ground level and by our own effort! This gives me a sense of satisfaction that is indescribable!  On a more personal note, my increase in overall physical stamina and endurance has given me the ability to  hopefully... finally... ignore the traffic at my side and enjoy each day of riding!

   The people of New Mexico have been warm and welcoming! Since arriving here from Window Rock nearly a week ago we have received honks and waves and cheers of support wherever we ride. We have been hosted nearly each night by people who have randomly offered us accommodation and hospitality and some excellent company! We continue to be grateful for this most excellent opportunity and I personally feel our departure from NM is a little bitter-sweet as we prepare to head out for Texas in the next few days.

   Shogan and I are on a bit of a time-line as we will be riding the 550 miles to Dallas to leave for a week to Massachusetts to attend our daughter Natasha's graduation from Mount Holyoke College. Dave will go his own way tomorrow and will meet back up with us in Houston on May 23rd. I will miss his company each day but am happy for him to have some "lone ranger" time. I anticipate many AWESOME stories when we reunite down the road!

Murals abound throughout New Mexico! This was at our campsite on the Continental Divide.

Team Awesome takes a pit stop before taking the 6 east and saying goodbye to the PAC 66 tour cyclists.

Mile post 100 on the 380. I recommend this ride to anyone who wants to experience 

 the solitude of a diverse and ever changing amazing New Mexico landscape. 

David and Ellen hosted us in the side yard of their pewter jewelry factory, the Annex in Hondo.

Jim and Eleanor, cyclists riding the 66 from Santa Monica to Amarillo.

 The average age of this group was 60...AMAZING!

Pictured here with Leroy, these two brothers hosted us in their trailer after I found them at their Temple in Limitar. Yes, I was completely surprised to find Hispanic Jewish Farmers at this stop... who new? I taught them a little Hebrew and they shared their background, hospitality and love of Yahweh!

Our campground in Belin next to the Rio Grand (maybe it should now be renamed the Rio Pequino)

We were plagued with flats, 12 in 2 days. Perhaps this was to purposely

slow us down so we could enjoy more of this amazing place.

OMGoodness! We LOVED Allison and Donnie Cameron from the Bingham Rock Shop. These two insisted we stay with them as we doubled the population of the town that night. Situated next to the White Sands Missile Range, these two are perhaps the most interesting couple I've met in some time! (Priceless)

D. Ray found us at the laundromat in Corizozo and offered us lodging for the night. He has recently moved there to take a job with the railroad, we all enjoyed the company and his hospitality!

Our first "REAL" cup o coffee in weeks...delicious!

And on and on we ride!

Team Awesome has experienced amazing landscapes throughout the state!

Team Awesome loves you!

Email us at OurGreatAmericanBikeRide@gmail.com if you'd like a commemorative Team Awesome postcard!

My Best ~Michelle