Abiquba!

Abiquiu to Cuba, that is!! (See what I did there??!!)

We knew that today was going to be a leg killer. The distance from Abiquiu to Cuba is about “only” about 80 miles or so. The difficulty comes not from the distance, but from the vertical challenges along the way. A total of about 9000’ of climbing lies between the start and finish. Immediately starting just 1/4 mile from the Abiquiu Inn was the first and major climb of the day, with a starting elevation of about 6000’ and going to the top of the climb at about 10,200’. This is in the first 27 miles of the day.

As a result we started early, and got on the road about 0600 this morning. We decided that once again climbing, each at our own pace, is the best way to handle the ascents. We also figured that stopping every hour would be the best way to assure mutual support, as well as give us the opportunity to stop and eat/drink.

The first hour resulted in us riding about 6 miles and gaining almost exactly 1000’ of elevation.

The sun was just rising as we topped out on Mesa de Abiquiu. The day was warming up nicely, even at the about 7000’ elevation we were at. After a quick breakfast and some water, we started on the second of our one hour legs up the climb.

Our second stop was at Polvedera Mesa. Here we enjoyed some goodies that Lola had brought from her sister in Taos (Thanks Fran)! in the form of Beef Jerkey (Carneseca). Another benefit from Lola’s photo shoot at Hopewell Lake!

The roads had been good so far and we were recharged from our carneseca as we started off on another hour long section of the climb. The road first wound itself through the mesa edges south of Polvedera and pesented us with plenty of ups and downs as we went along. Finally the road stopped the down part, and simply went up. This climb would be a bit different, as were starting to climb into Ponderosa country. The road first was a bit chunky and then changes into several miles of block sandstone ledges and stones. It was basically like climbing flights of stairs in which the rise (vertical part) was 6-12” and the tread (horizontal part) was 6-10’. This went on forever!!

After the first hour of this climb, it was time for another stop to eat and drink.

While we were sitting there, several riders whom we had ridden with, and either leap-frogged or got leap-frogged by, came past us. One was Eric, who had undergone quite the experience just a bit earlier on the trail. Apparently he had an issue crossing one of the huge mud puddles that took up the entire road, slipped, and did a full body plant in the mud! The mud had now dried, so he looked like a big white mud encrusted ghost as he came past us. All the riders just disappeared into the distance as we had our lunch. Leap-frogged again!

We got back on the trail not long after and started our 4th, 1 hour leg, of the day.

Stopping at the end of this hour, now near what we thought was the summit of the climb, we found a cool and shaded spot to sit and have our snacks and drinks. As we were chatting, we saw another rider coming up the road towards us. It was Nathaniel!!

Recall that we had first met him and his riding partner Shawn in Hartsel, CO. He was also camped at the same RV site we stayed at in Del Norte, CO.

Here he was riding alone and informed us that Shawn had left to go home to California. He also said that he had been riding with the Emily, Mike, and Eric group, (the folks we had seen an hour earlier), but because his phone had died a painful death, he had no wake up alarm, he had missed the departure time with them from Abiquiu this morning. We had a new riding partner, and a good one at that!!

The next hour turned into more climbing and descending, as we made our way towards Cuba. About 20 miles (estimated) from Cuba, the weather started changing rapidly. With Ray, Nathaniel and I working or way over and into canyons and ridge-lines, we were actually having a pretty decent day! That changed as fast as the weather. At first it was just a sprinkle, then more drops. I suggested that discretion was the better part of valor and that we should probably put on rain gear, just in case.. Before we could even get one sleeve on, it started to pour as we ducked into the tree cover to try to find respite as we donned our gear. The scary part was the incredible amount of lightening!! It was never ending!

Now wet, in spite of our rain gear (at least our torsos were dry) we decided we might as well ride. The next half hour was ridden in a torrential downpour, on muddy roads. It was quite the 2000’ drop to the paved roads outside Cuba. Finally getting on paved roads for the last 1000’ or so of downhill, we were still getting pounded by rain! Worst of the trip so far!!

We rolled into Cuba, just as the rain abated. Our goal was to find the motel we had made arrangements at earlier in the day when we had coverage. One the way to the motel we came across.. a self car wash! Into the wash we went to spray off our bikes. Once we completed washing our bikes, we looked at one another and decided that since we were already as wet as we could get, we might as well spray ourselves off as well. So it was that at the age of 57, I got to experience a first . A wash of myself in a car wash!! (I cant speak for Ray and Nathaniel)

Now back on the road, we found the lodging we had reserved. Ray went to the lobby door, which was strangely shut and locked, and knocked. Opening the door, as lady inquired about what we needed. Ray said he had a reservation…she said, you’re three rooms all had a water leak and were no longer available. Strange since we had only reserved a single room. No matter she said, there were no rooms at the inn (at least for us!).

So… down the road we went to the next motel. Here Ray walked up to another locked door, and when it was sheepishly opened, all the attendee said was, “We have no rooms for you”! We pointed out there was not a SINGLE car in the entire parking area, but she insisted on her position and shut the door!

So… down the road we went to the next motel (and the LAST motel in Cuba). Ray suggested that perhaps we would have better luck if I asked this time. No problem. Room secured!! We went to our room, as Nathaniel went to his as well, after making plans to meet for dinner at a restaurant with some of the other cyclists.

About 20 minutes later we all met outside to walk to the restaurant. As we were leaving the motel desk attendant ran outside to tell us that another cyclist had stopped in and asked her to let us know all the dining establishments in town (they checked them all) were now closed. It was 7PM.

That left us our last option in Cuba, McDonald’s and the associated convenience store.

We walked the half mile to the Golden Arches. The folks working the counter had to be shocked as we each ordered in excess of $18.00 worth of food. I went over the $25 mark! That was a first.

After “dinner” we went to the adjacent convenience store and bought more supplies for the next day, and our journey to Grants. After that, we were on our way back to the motel.

We don’t look forward to our wet shoes and clothes starting the ride tomorrow, but at least we’re on familiar ground!

We’re South bound and down!

Shane and Ray