Taos, NM to Raton, NM 94.9 miles
Yesterday was a rest day in Taos. Dave Harris, a good friend from college who lives in Colorado Springs, came down to spend the day. After looking around Taos, we drove to Santa Fe and had lunch and looked around. Great place if you are interested in art galleries and jewelry.
Once again, it was very chilly this morning(37 degrees), but I warmed up quickly because we went right into an 18 mile climb up Taos Canyon. About an hour and half later we reached the top(9100'). The 25 mile descent was some of the best scenery yet. The fall colors of the trees and the mountain stream that bordered the lightly traveled road was absolutely spectacular. Soon after lunch, we had our first introduction to the Great Plains. It was quickly learned that Great Plains also translates to great winds. As the day wore on the wind intensity increased substantially. For the last 25 miles it was blowing at 15-20 mph from about the 11:00 to 1:00 position without relenting whatsoever. For those of you that have never ridden in these types conditions, you cannot fully appreciate how fatiguing it is physically and mentally. To think that next seven days are going to be like this will be a real challenge in all aspects.