Three Cheers For My Riding Partners!

By Hachita we were six strong as a group. From Deming, Lordsburg, and Silver City (?) we converged on the Antelope Wells border crossing on May 23rd. Howard and Judi, the tandem team, arrived about an hour after we departed the border, but joined us in Hachita at Sam Hughes' home. By sheer good luck we escaped the intense Chihauhaun Desert heat. We anticipated temperatures as high as 104 degrees, instead we rode in 50 degree weather that felt much cooler due to the rain and the quartering wind.

Our refugee tent city on Sam Hughes' lawn in Hachita, NM



I met Cas in person for the first time when I picked him up at the Albuquerque airport. I had some impressions from our telephone conversations and emails, but he was somewhat reserved in those contacts. In person he very talkative and very pleasant. I quickly learned that he was also a very efficient camper and a very solid climber. He was the only one of the group not pulling a BOB trailer. He was also the only one of the group with extensive GDMBR experience. Four years ago he rode from Helena, Montana to Kremmling, Colorado before a family emergency forced him to end his ride. Now he was back to eat the whole tamale.

Cas setting up camp at Rocky Canyon in the Gila National Forest



Cas at Homestead Canyon, which is about a mile south of NM 117 near El Malpais National Monument

Dave was one of the first people to answer my ad for companions on the Adventure Cycling web site. He had the honor of the first flat of the trip. His experience and training really showed on the route. I have to admit that I was envious of his Fisher Paragon 29'er as he tore up the trail and flattened out the climbs. He was easily able to make the daily mileage that I calculated we had to make to reach Banff by the end of July.

Dave and Cas fixing Dave's flat from a Mesquite thorn in the morning of Day 2 in Hachita

Dave at our camp along the road between Separ and Silver City on Day 2

Naran was by far the most communicative member of the group prior to the trip. He was much newer to the mountain bikecamping skills needed on the GDMBR, but his enthusiasm more than compensated. He spared no expense on the necessary equipment and quickly learned the necessary skills. He also had a lot of invaluable contacts along the route through his membership in the Lions Club.

Naran headed for the Mimbres Cafe for breakfast on Day 4

Naran at Homestead Canyon on Day 9

Howard and Judi were amazing in every way. As a tandem team on the GDMBR, as campers, and as a couple. They were the least communicative members of the group prior to the trip, but immediately befriended us all.

Still smiling after climbing out of Rocky Canyon and Black Canyon on the way to Beaverhead Work Center on Day 5

At Homestead Canyon on their way around El Malpais on the main route

Their teamwork and efficiency usually left them with time each day for quiet personal reflection. This was near San Gregorio Reservoir in the Jemez Mountains east of Cuba, NM.

It was a great pleasure to ride with each of you. Thanks so much! Let's keep in touch.