My picture is of the horrid corner where we were supposed to sleep and where I had my meltdown. We are in now Rodeo, New Mexico, two days ride away from when I last posted. Yesterday we rode from Tombstone to Bisbee-- the shortest ride of our whole trip (about 25 miles) but a long hard climb up into Bisbee. For me it was a combination bike/hike. Bisbee is a fascinating town, the site of a now defunct copper mine. It is extremely hilly with tiny houses clinging to the hillsides and a massive open pit, entirely fenced off since 1974. At that time the town was largely abandoned and was referred to as a "ghost town" which I think is a misnomer since there were still a few people there and things like water and electricity available. Real estate prices dropped precipitously, however, and according to the locals the "hippies" from California moved in-- many just squatted and others actually purchased houses. A lousy shack could be had for $1000 and a really nice house for $5000 or $6000. Bisbee is now a thriving and very attractive tourist town, a place we would actually like to return to. We had dinner on our own and probably the best meal we will have this summer. Really marvelous and because John and I are celebrating our 32nd anniversary we felt we deserved a treat.
We froze again last night but not as badly as the night in Tucson where ice formed on our tent and we moved in the middle of the night to the computer room in the RV park where we were staying. This morning we headed off on a 78 mile ride to Rodeo, New Mexico. One of the best riding days of my life. It was Route 80 the whole way, a state road, but after we went through Douglas Arizona it was more like a bike lane shared only with the Border Patrol. The road surface was great, there was a lot of downhill, it was scenic and best of all a really great tailwind. We rode all 78 miles in about a little more than five hours-- we were spinning along at a great rate and it seemed like every time I looked another mile post went by. We are hoping for a repeat tomorrow when we have our longest day of the trip-- 94 miles to Columbus, New Mexico where we have a rest day. Rodeo is a very small and nondescript town. Some buildings along the highway with dirt "streets" on the south side and a few sketchy houses. We are having dinner at the Rodeo Tavern and it is time to eat.
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