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Wow. New Mexico is tough. It was up and down all day today, and there was some rough terrain. A stretch of four-wheeling track stands out. It was slow going, but I somehow managed to ride the whole thing. Falling was not an option, as it could easily have been a trip ender.

Towards the later part of today, I convinced myself I had been transported about five miles ahead of where I thought I was. I rode pumped up on this delusion for a few miles until what was supposed to be a short uphill continued on and on. As I climbed and realized my mistake, I fought not to pass out. I reached the top, chugged some electrolytes, and felt better. The next 10 miles are a blur, but I have vague memories of sliding down loose rocks on the mountainside to retrieve my water bottle and crawling back on my stomach.

When I pulled into the town of Cuba, I immediately headed to El Bruno’s Mexican restaurant to meet Josh and Jenny for dinner. After countless days of mashed potatoes, lentils, and oatmeal, the spicy food shocked the senses.

Over dinner, we discussed logistics for the next few days. Josh and Jenny need to intercept a package in the next town of Grants, but our timing puts us in on the weekend when the post office is closed. I think the consensus is to take a zero day tomorrow, but I’m not really sure what’s going on; I’m not sure any of us do.