Iron Lady

Day 7 Gallup to Albuquerque 17.1 mph for 7:55 covering 137 miles. “That was bloody murderous!” exclaimed one of the 5 Brits on the ride. Truly an accurate description of another killer headwind day. We had a great pace line with 7 of us for the middle 100 miles, which was incredibly helpful. Taking a half-mile pull on the front of the line into that wind was tough, sucking wheel for each of us blessed relief. We passed through some lava fields, enjoyed some interesting rock formations, but mostly cursed the wind.

I've met a woman made of Iron. Karen Keefer by name. 5 years ago on this ride, someone didn't point out a board in the road. She was third in a pace line and went down hard. Over 100 stitches and 4 new teeth later she was back on the ride after 3 days off. This amazing woman is here again, and sadly went over James when he hit the rumble strips. (James isn't coming back as his eye socket is trashed and he's got some head trauma). Karen complained of a sore hip after the crash, and rode the last 35 miles to the hotel that night. Sore, indeed, it was fractured. She's out of the ride, and needs 6 weeks to recover. And she'll be back, this tough lady, to ride another day.

And now, Day 8, a needed rest day.