---

Who would’ve guessed that New Mexico would be the coldest, greenest, and most flowered state (and perhaps one of the wettest)? Last night, I stayed nice and toasty in my sleeping bag as ice formed in my water bottles. Once again, I was awake well before dawn to try to get a start as soon as it was light enough to see. It was cold, but I am finally feeling hardened to it; about time…

I couldn’t believe how green everything was today. I expected to ride through 100-degree deserts here, not 30-degree green grasslands and evergreen forests. Wildflowers were blooming everywhere, their yellows and purples making the views even more spectacular. For much of the day, the forest floor and hillsides were blanketed with little yellow flowers. I feel pretty lucky to be reaping the rewards of the rains earlier

The miles went by relatively easily today, which is a nice change. I was on track to do nearly 70 miles but ran into some issues about 55 miles in. Let’s just say that my seat and handlebars are half held on with duct tape. I feel pretty vulnerable sitting atop this thing. I will have to watch it closely tomorrow; I do not want the seat to fall off while I’m riding. It’s about 60 miles to town from here, and my parents/rescue team should also be arriving there tomorrow!