22-34

In the wide range of 27 differnt gear ratios allowed to us on our bicycles, we used the 22-34* the most often. Cyclists know this as "granny gear" in that it is the lowest gear ratio allowed to us. It takes a lot of patience to climb for 20 miles (creeping along at only 3.5mph) but we made it. We left the desert south of Cuba, NM and climbed into the Santa Fe National Forest up to 9660ft, then 10,200 ft and then yet again to 10,260ft over about 75 miles. It was difficult but the scenery made it worthwhile. We were told that there would be no water for us between Cuba and Abiquou so we would need to haul all fo the water we needed for the two day trek.

THAT IS A LOT OF WATER!

After having a bout of dehydration riding through the desert into Cuba we weren't going to take any chances so we filled everything up. All totaled in was about 600 oz (39lbs!) split between Jamie and I. All that extra weight made for a lot of extra work to make the 20 mile climb out Cuba (6500ft) to the peak at (9660ft). Although the average grade doesn't seem bad, it was similar climbing Hog Pen gap in north Georgia because it had several false peaks that only added to the overal climb while increasing the steepness of it. All this climbing at altitudes we're still not fully adjusted to. To ad insult to injury, all along the climb we saw nothing but WATER!! It seems that we were given flase information and we carried all that extra weight for nothing. That bit really fustrated me but regardless, we still finished the climb and had a ripping descent down into a valley where we found a campsite (8900ft).

The next morning, we made another push up to 10,200ft. Our first time over 10k and the altitude started getting to us again. It really amazes me the effect of altitude. On grades that I would not even consider a climb, we are struggling in our 22-34, our hearts racing and chests heaving for air. It can be really fustrating at times knowing full well that you are capable of going faster and yet, struggling to just maintain balance as you watch the hub spin slowly in front of you. If you got tired of watching your wheel turn, you could look on either side and see snow drifts in the shady spots under the aspen trees.

After summiting the first 10,200, we decended another 1000ft only to climb back up again to 10,260. The climb was on a very steep and very eroded and washed out 4WD trail making any sort of pedaling impossible. It was a deal where you had to push the bike forward, hold the brake so it wouldn't slip back down, and then ginderly walk a couple steps and then lunge the bike forward again. Luckily that was only for about a 1/4 mile but still very strenuous. At least it didn't rain.

But once we made it to the top, oh man! the view at 10k is great! You can see forever. In fact you can see the snow covered peaks of the next range we tackle the San Juan Mountains. Being at the top only meant one thing...

WE GET TO GO DOWN!! Our decent was broken up into a 13 mile downhill, then a 2 mile climb, then another 11 mile downhill all into the town of Abiquou, NM. The first decent was actually very technical, especially with bikes loaded down with all of our gear. It was the same washed out 4WD road and had sections that were very tricky. Some slick rock sections that looked exactly like the trials in Conyers (So think of doing Conyers, pulling 60 pounds in a trailer at 20mph). Other sections were just covered in loose lava rock, regardless, it was hard to really open up on this trail due to the technical bits but Jamie, AKA 2-seconds, did great! I ate it, once (I'm okay).

This rocky descent was broken up with a smaller pass that was only 2 miles and 800 ft. Now that we were lower the climb went much easier and Jamie and I spun up it with seemingly ease. Then yet another long downhill into Abiquou. This time on gravel roads and speed at 30+mph, for 11miles!

In Abiquou we got a room and the next day we got coffee at the Maya Art Cafe. The owner, Tamara, was SUPER nice! She drove us into a larger town so we could do laundry and buy enough groceries for the 6 day journey to Platoro, CO. The Maya Art Cafe is a great place for everyone to stop in, highly recommended!!

We are now in El Rito, NM. Finding libraries and internet access is very challenging so excuse the long delays between posts.

We have met back up with Ryan and Josh as well as four other people riding north. We will be loosely riding with one another on the trek to Platoro. The road ahead is much more challenging than the road before. We will be riding four 10k+ passes as well as staying at 10k for about a 20 mile stretch. After Platoro, we ascend even higher to Summitville, go over Indiana Pass at 11,900ft and then a 26 mile downhill into Del Norte, CO. SO far my top speed on a downhill is 38.69mph, I wonder if I can top that after Indiana pass?

So y'all have fun and take care, we'll try to stay warm at altitude and avoid the Bears.

-Lee

*22-34 is named because the crank sprocket has 22 teeth and the wheel sproket has 34 teeth. You can find a smaller 20 tooth sprocket but it is very difficult to balance below 3mph and you can walk at 2.5mph so if it gets any steeper, you're better off walking. We walk a lot at altitude.