Climbing 11% Grades to Avoid Highway Riding

It was another day of putting the "adventure" into Fuller Center Bicycle Adventure. One thunderstorm, four flat tires and 12 hours later, we rolled into Taos from Santa Fe. Tony's trip computer says he only did 6.5 hours of riding, which means our frequent stops and route-planning delays really added up.

Today was our first official day of cool weather riding. Many had their arm and leg warmers on for the 6 am departure from 7,000 ft of elevation. We struck out intending to cycle straight up US-84, but all hopes for an accessible frontage road were snuffed out by about mile 20. The team headed for the mountains, and by mile 32 had climbed several 10-11% grade hills on what is locally known as the "High Road." To us, we just knew it as a confusing conglomeration of two-lane roads that seemed to ascend into eternity.

Adding to the day's already strenuous task was an untimely thunderstorm that held us up at a small-town gas station for an hour and rain that slowed the riders down as they pressed on from there.

As if such maladies weren't enough, the altitude made breathing more laborious, and the en-route alterations to the roads we were to take to Taos meant we never quite knew how far we still had to ride.

But the team remains strong, especially after a hearty New Mex-Mex dinner at a local favorite: Guadalajara's. Heavy rain could not douse these spirits. Tomorrow we will press on to Alamosa and a new state. Colorado, Ho!

Chris sizes up yet another climb.

Two riders press on.

We eventually had to wait out part of this storm.

Frontage roads on the wrong side of the highway always seem strange.

For as challenging as the ride was, it was certainly beautiful.