Today we rode from Silver City, New Mexico, US to Hachita, New Mexico, US. Sunny weather with little clouds (some cloud coverage in the morning). Road conditions included paved road, gravel roads, and dirt roads. Highlights of the day include the dirt road with snakes, and the scenery change to desert.
Riding statistics: on Sunday September 11, 2022, the 42nd day on the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route route, it took 11:32h (07:57h moving time), between 07:44 and 19:16, to cover 127 km (79 miles), including 705 m (2313 ft) elevation gain, with an average speed of 16 km/h (10 mph). During today's ride the average temperature was 28 °C (86 °F) with a minimum of 18 °C (66 °F) and a maximum of 38 °C (106 °F).
Totals: So far, it took 12 days, 16 hours, 40 minutes and 19 seconds of cycling time to cover 4448 km (2764 miles), including 51889 m (170248 ft) elevation gain, with an average speed of 14.9 km/h (9.3 mph).
Leaving Silver City
We again made sure we had an early start, especially since we had breakfast in the motel, and we had to do some grocery shopping for the next 2 days. The breakfast was a typical continental breakfast with of course waffels. However, all sugar, and we already have so much of that. But I made sure I ate enough and really enjoyed the yogurts. After getting ready, and checking out, we started our ride for today. After 2 kilometers we stopped at the local grocery store to make sure we have enough food for the coming two days (since there will not be much on the route). After grocery shopping we continued our ride out of town. We had to follow a paved road for about 20km before we were at a turnoff to a dirt road. Of course there was still climbing involved.
The long dirt road
Once we were on the dirt road it was beautiful. ‘Red’ sand, canyons, and green trees. That lasted for a few kilometers and then the scenery changed to a real desert environment. Hills and bushes, and flowers (because of the rain earlier this year). Not much more. Well, typical desert animals like different snakes (dead and alive), strange caterpillars, and many other animals. Especially the first few kilometers we were confronted with some living snakes. Even one in the middle of the road. We’re both not used to that, so we were really alert, scanning the road surface for more. But we got used to the idea and got more relaxed. It was a dirt road with hard clay (impassable when wet, sometimes rocks, and also loose sand). We had to follow this road for over 60km. Oh yeah, we also had a fierce headwind all the time. Well, like always we just continued and pedaled on. The scenery was also beautiful over here. What an environment. Not really for humans I would say. Eventually the dirt road ended and we were at the frontage road of the Interstate were a souvenir shop was located where we could buy drinks and snacks. From here we had our 12km of last unpaved road of the trip. A gravel road, with some major washboarding. The road ended at a turnoff of the Interstate leading to Hachita, and Antelope Wells. From now on we only have a paved road to the border.
Hachita
From the end of the gravel road, we had a 32km ride to Hachita. The scenery got even more dry. Multiple times we saw employees of the border patrol. They drive around in recognizable cars. But also in pickup trucks with some machinery in the back. At some moment we saw that he machinery is in fact a portable watch tower. They slide it out, and on top are cameras and probably other high sensitive equipment to monitor the area. The headwinds continued and we pushed on untill we reached Hachita. One of the first buildings was the food market and we went inside. Very cheap prices for drinks and snacks. They had wifi and a corner to sit. We also could arrange our stay in the Hachita community hall. After relaxing a bit we went to the Hachita Community Hall. An old building used for different purposes. There were travel beds on which you could sleep. However, there were as many bugs inside as outside (flies, mosquitoes, crickets, etc.), so I quickly decided to pitch my tent (without the rainfly so I felt way more comfortable for me, but also all my gear). I used the microwave in there to make my noodle meal, and put my yogurts and drinks in the refrigerator for tomorrow.
Gallery
