17-04-21 Day 13

Grants, NM to Albuquerque, NM

Today was a day about a tailwind on our ride.  We were blessed with a strong tailwind this am that assisted us in expediting our journey to Albuquerque.  This reminded me of when I was taking care of my mother in 1994 when she was dealing with cancer.  I was her tailwind in a sense. I was able to take care of her and push her gently along on a daily basis.  Initially it was a small tailwind dealing with small things, but as her cancer progressed it was much more involved.  I was able to spend precious time with her that I will always cherish.

The Cheryl Kay Foundation helps women that may not have the support that I was able to provide for my mother. There is nothing like being able to be in your home as you face adversity on a daily basis with some sense of normal no matter what the age.  Please contribute so others may experience the comfort of their home and support of their family and loved ones as they struggle through thwireless personal battle. Help them and give them the gift of a "tailwind"

As Karen mentioned above, we were blessed to have a tailwind today. I know we often talk about the wind but you must appreciate the impact the wind has on us. Yesterday afternoon we had a side wind, off our right shoulder, that was very strong. At times it was so strong we had to ride the middle of the road, leaning into the wind and reducing our speed to less than 5 mph, so we had enough to road space to push back or regain our position once the wind faded a bit. At one time, riding the shoulder of the road, I intentionally spit directly in front of my bike and it did not hit the ground until it passed the center line of the road. That was a stiff wind. So, today with the help of the wind we covered 60 miles by 01:00 pm. Our average mph at this point was 15+mph. Sweet!

Along the way we today we met up with a very interesting guy, Jeffery Hellen. Jeffrey is on his seventh, yes I said seventh, trip on his bike from New York to California to raise awareness for human rights. You can check out his website at www.humanrights.org/ride. Jeffrey was not experiencing a tailwind on his quest to the West coast. Notice his flag fluttering.

Along the way to Albuquerque we were once again treated to the magnificent views of New Mexico. As we've mentioned so many times previously the views are breathe taking. At times, the large mountainous outcroppings were just an arms length away.

At the end if the day we met up with our friends, and "on the road support team" at the HB & Lucille Horn Family YMCA  in Albuquerque, NM. There we were greeted by Amanda (left) and Zizi (right) of the Albuquerque YMCA family. Amanda and Zizi offered unconditional support and assisted us in receiving our third support package. THANKS SO MUCH to the Albuquerque YMCA TEAM!