May 17, to Santa Fe, NM

 A long day at the office.   Wasn't necessarily "hard" or difficult.   Just long......

Started the morning at 5300 feet of elevation, and 19 of the first 22 miles were uphill to get to around 7040 in elevation.   Rarely was steep.  But 8-10 mph for 2 1/2 hours or so.   I'm not built for going uphill.  Have to say the weather was gorgeous.  High 50's to start.


That's the city way in the distance.  Albuquerque must be built in a bowl.   We had a nice long downhill when we came in from one side, and leaving out the other side we had to go up.  The next picture is of the back side of what I think is called Sandia mountain 🏔️.
Nope, sorry. I don't think that's it.   Anyway, the terrain and scenery has been different every day of tour .   When we entered New Mexico there were buttes and mesas.   Now, none.  

Below is shot of one of the two white vans that provide our support, water, Gatorade, and excellent snacks.
The hills way, way in the distance are the backside of Sandia.

Like I said, I wasn't dead, but it was a long day.   Absolutely zero shade, and the sun just seems stronger at elevation .

Hopefully in a few days I will get a good picture of the weird tan lines on my thumbs and fingers from the cycling gloves 🧤.
A little more scenery and then a few pictures from Madrid.  A tiny, artsy tourist village.   I stopped there for a diet Coke and part of a muffin.   Just wanted a break!  Note.   There was a long, long downhill coming into Madrid, which I didn't like because I knew I'd have to climb back up to get to Santa Fe.   Grr.




Yep, that's snow 🌨️ 





Yeah, it's now pretty much uphill from mile 48 to 68.   Again, different than a few days before.   These were looong straight roads that seemed to go uphill forever.
Ended up with 68 miles .   4940 of uphill and 3380 of down.   We ended up at 7260 elevation.  Hit a McDonald's 2 miles from hotel as I suspected room would not be ready.   In order to use restroom, I had to be buzzed in by a staff member at McDonald's.   Sure seemed weird to me.   But then I'm not in Eden prairie anymore either.   For that matter, the last two nights - even to get through the FRONT door of our hotels, we had to be buzzed in, or use our key card .
Couple more pics on way to Santa Fe.



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