Easter Day in Major Winds

Sunday's ride took us into El Paso, Texas, our fourth state! I drove the SAG vehicle, and was happy to do so as the wind whipped at up to 30 mph. It was a hard ride for those who persevered all 67 miles of it. Many opted to take the ride in the van to escape the wind, and I can't blame them. As you can see above, Micki and Ann (a mother/daughter team) are having fun with their bunny ears blowing sideways in the wind!

The fun part was that someone bought all of us rabbit ears and so our riders had ears on with their bike helmets. It was a comical site. We were all feeling very festive until the wind started whipping up. Today's ride is a short 47 miles on flat road, so we are all trying to relax and not hurry off this morning. It's amazing how perspective changes. 47 miles seems like nothing now, and we are in no particular hurry to get going. We have 20 days across Texas, so might as well take a deep breath, and smell the roses along the way.

I am especially thankful for all my friends who have been praying for me as I make this journey. We have had great weather, for the most part. I have felt good, slept well, and enjoyed each day, and the new friends I have made. God is good! Blessings to all!

Las Cruces, New Mexico

Today was a fast, fun, and long ride. After spending the night in Kingston, New Mexico, we quickly dropped in elevation and had a mostly flat ride, except for one little 3 mile climb. Highlights of today's ride included seeing elk in the early morning hours as we started out, crossing the Rio Grand river, going through chili growing area, and having frozen yougurt at the end of the ride. I'm amazed at the changing terrain, as today we rode through mountain, desert, and pecan groves. It is extremely dry here and we saw lots of evidence of fires.

The total milage today was 88 miles. Tomorrow we will ride to El Paso Texas--now our fourth state. It will take us 20 days to ride across Texas, so it will be a while before we have another state line crossing party.

Random Observations from this Biker Lady

I have had the opportunity to learn a few things as I've been on this trip. Here are a few of them--in no particular order.



1. Chamois butter is well worth the high price they charge.

2. Never say "that's the last hill!" There's always more.

3. Some people actually like riding through the mountains up strenous hills!

4. I'm not one of those people mentioned above.

5. It's amazing how you can bond with a group of people when you are sharing a destination like riding cross-country.

6. Age is no barrior when you are on a trip of this nature. You would be amazed at what some of these women can do.

We've reached the highpoint!

Today we left Silver City, New Mexico, and headed for the little town of Kingston, past the "Kneeling Nun" rock formation, past copper mines, and up the mountain. The views were spectacular and the climb was challenging (a major understatement!!). We had a 40 mile climb up to Emory Pass, at 8225 feet elevation--the highest point of our tour. Let me just say, I found it quite challenging, at one point was wondering if I could complete the ride. I heard later that we were on some 10% grades and climbed a total of 4700 feet. Of course, what goes up--must come down. We had an 8 mile downhill ride into the tiny little town of Kingston, where we are being housed at Black Mountain Ranch Lodge. The view at the top of the pass was very rewarding. You could see all down the valley into Kingston.

Tomorrow, we have one of our longer rides--88 miles into Las Cruces. Hopefully, there will not be hills :-)

Eating on the Road

For those of you who wonder what we eat on a tour like this--let me assure you we eat well. Linda, our traveling chef prepares the most wonderful meals out of the back of this trailer. The "kitchen" area is the 6 foot section in the back of the trailer, and Linda is very creative, making great use of this kitchen and Dutch ovens for cooking gourmet meals for 30 women, with options for those who have food allergies, or who are vegetarians. Linda will be featured in the May issue of Bicycling magazine. Her meals are healthy, tasty, and geared to fuel the needs of bikers who are putting out lots of energy on their bikes. And the really amazing thing is she makes it look easy and does it all with a smile.

Now in Silver City, New Mexico

Yesterday's ride took us up over the Continental Divide and into Silver City, New Mexico. It was only a 46 mile ride, but was so hilly, it was a very challenging ride. The climb out of Lordsburg was so gradual that it was deceiving. We then entered a mountainous area with steep, steady climbs. The fun part of the trip up was that my cousin Karen was driving to Silver City, and found me amidst the other bikers on the road, so she pulled over, took my picture and cheered me on. Then she drove up farther and waited for me to reach the Continental Divide, where there were lots of riders and photo ops.

The ride into Silver City continued to climb, with our total climb being over 3500 feet. Silver City is a town that has a lot of memories for me, as my Aunt Modeen and Uncle Carroll live here, and we visited here often during my childhood. Besides that, there are lots of cute shops, and places to explore today on our day off. I'm looking forward to going downtown today, and then going out to a favorite place called the City of Rocks. It has lots of fun rock formations that make for interesting exploring and hiking.

Tomorrow promises to be another great climb when we go over Emory Pass at about 8000 feet elevation, and probably about 3000 feet of total climbing. So, pray for me! I am not fond of climbing, but can do it. It is hard work for me, but feels like such an accomplishment when it is done.

We're in New Mexico

Greetings friends! I'm now in Lordsburg, New Mexico. I drove the SAG vehicle today, and had a good time making sure that everyone made it in today. It was a beautiful day as we left Safford, AZ this morning, in cool weather. It was a 75 mile ride straight down HWY 70 into Lordsburg, New Mexico. There was quite a tail wind at the end of the day, so all the riders were having a wonderful time flying down the road at top speed. I sure wished I could ride with them, but tomorrow is another day.

I will continue to try to post pictures as I get a chance, but I suggest that you follow the links on my page to some of the other sites where there are pictures. You will get the drift of what we are seeing.

Tomorrow, we ride across the Continental Divide into Silver City. I am looking forward to spending time with my Aunt and Uncle, and two cousins. Should be a great time together for my layover day. Hope all of you are well. Debbie

We Made it to the Tunnel

This is how far we made it today. We were disappointed not to go all the way to Globe, but still had fun together. As you can see, there was not much shoulder to ride on and the drivers were not exactly thoughtful to us as bikers.

Sunday--Globe Arizona, SAG

Greetings friends. I am again at a place where I can't post pictures, but if you go to the links on my page, there are blogs from women who have their laptops and are posting pictures. I know I am in a lot of them. And we all look alike in our biking gear.

Today we were riding to Globe from Apache Junction. Last night the big buzz was that rain and snow were in the weather forecast. The first half of our ride was to Superior, and then after that was the really big climb up to Globe through the mountain pass where the bad weather was expected. So, we all stressed out over the forecast, and whether or not we could ride it. And how to dress for the weather. I made it up to Superior and started up the climb with a group of hardy ladies who wanted to make the ride. It was still dry, but clouds were ahead.

We got a few miles up the mountain and then came to tunnel where 2 other riders were waiting and there was a Highway Patrolman sitting there as well. He was not wanting us to ride through the tunnel because it was snowing on the other side. So we had to turn around and ride back down to Superior, and wait for the van to come back and SAG us in to Globe. It was disappointing not to be able to finish the ride, but I was glad to make a decision on the side of safety and be able to ride another day.

Tomorrow we also have the forecast for rain, so I'll break out that rain gear yet. We have an 83 mile ride tomorrow to get into Safford Arizona.

Saturday, March 15 Phoenix to Apache Junction

We arrived in Phoenix yesterday from Wickenburg. It was a very fast (17 mph average), very fun ride, with lots of downhill. We found ourselves stopping often to take in the scenery, as the desert bloom was in full swing. I got a kick out of the ladies who were from the East Coast wanting their pictures by the big Saguaro cacti. It was lots of fun, and we stopped often.

I veerred off of the official route for our group so that I could go visit several old "haunts" including our Kristal Way house, Northwest Community Church, and a few other places. There was a lot more traffic in Phoenix than I remember from 15 years ago, and it was interesting trying to navigate the busy streets on a bike. I later met up with my dear friend, Theresa, and she and I went to lunch at Valle Luna--a favorite Mexi place. Then we went to her house where we visited for the afternoon, and I got to love on her wiener dogs. Sorry Chico.

That evening there was a reunion of many students who were in our ministry years ago, so I got to see many old friends. What fun it was.

Today, we are off to Apache Junction and then Sunday we ride to Globe Arizona. The weather forecast is for rain and possible snow flurries going over the mountain pass. How nice that it just happens to be my day to drive the SAG wagon. I imagine I will be very busy shuttling riders out of the rain to the next destination.

Well, stay tuned. I'll try to post more pictures tonight when I get in.

For Joyce Curtis

This one is for Joyce. El Centro, California--the birthplace of Joyce Craig!

I'm in Arizona!

Greetings from Wickenberg, Arizona!



We crossed the state line yesterday from Blythe, CA to Salome, AZ. It was a wonderful day of riding, with about 23 miles of it being on Interstate 10 out of Blythe. We all stopped at Quartzite to have a look around, snap a few photos and get refueled. We got off of the Interstate at US 60, which is a fairly bumpy 2 lane road, but travelled nice. The weather was ideal for riding and we got in early to Salome--which I discovered was not such and advantage since Salome is just a wide spot in the road and the hotel was--well, let's just say it had lots of "character". If you can imagine the Bates Hotel in Psycho, you are close!

Before arriving in Salome, we passed through the little town of Hope Arizona. As you leave Hope, the sign says "YOUR NOW BEYOND HOPE". Yes, this is how it was spelled. We all caught the typo and had quite the laugh taking our pictures by the sign. So, now you know, I'm beyond Hope!

The highlight of the evening was the state line crossing celebration. It was a fun party with Margauritas, chips, and guacamole--before dinner. No, it didn't spoil my dinner--I ate a hearty meal after that. That's one of the fun parts about biking all day.

Today, (Thursday) was my day to SAG. It was a good day in SAG, the ride was a short 57 miles, with no misshaps, and only a few flats. Everyone was in good spirits as they arrived--and many have taken off to see the sights. Tomorrow, we ride 67 miles into Phoenix, and I am looking forward to seeing many friends once I get in.

I continue to be amazed at the goodness of God to be able to do this trip. So far, the weather has been perfect, the comraderie fun and hilarious, the food has been wonderful, and I have felt strong and great. Thank you all for your prayers. I feel them and appreciate them so much.

First Flat

For those who are counting, I had my first flat on our second day of riding. Before I left the hotel in Alpine, I realized that my front tire was down. So I quickly replaced the tube before getting on the road that morning.

Tuesday--March 11 Blythe, California

Greetings all. Today is our first layover day, so I have a chance to catch up with my blog. The rest is appreciated since we biked 90 miles across the California desert starting in Brawley yesterday morning. It was a very enjoyable journey in the early part of the morning, cool, crisp, sunny, and still. The sun was just coming up in the east (in our eyes) when we left, riding through green fields of whatever it was they are growing out there. We soon left that little oasis for sandy, scrub brush desert landscape, with straight, flat road for miles ahead.

The hard part of the day came about 31 miles into the ride, as we began a gradual climb into a stiff headwind. Fortunately, the lunch stop was at 40 miles where our WomanTours trailer and traveling cook had set up a little picnic lunch for us. It was a welcome respite. After eating, I headed out on my own over a 9 mile section of rolling dunes on a narrow two lane road with very little shoulder. I prayed a lot in this section, and was grateful for God's protection several times when wide loads passed me.

Soon I caught a tailwind, and enjoyed many miles just flying along at 20 to 22 mph! That was fun! I caught up with some friends, and enjoyed the comraderie and sillyness that made the last tiring part bearable. It's great to encourage each other along the way, and also hear the stories of the other women's lives.

Many women gave up after lunch and opted to ride the SAG into Blythe, but my group of about 6 gals all bunched up and rode in together, the first of the riders to complete the entire 90 miles that day. We all continued the sillyness by quickly getting into our swim suits and cannon ball jumping into the ICE COLD pool! What a rush! The we made a dash for the warm jacuzzi and back and forth several times. It was very invigorating after the long ride.

I'm having trouble getting my pictures on the blog since I don't have my own computer, but if you link from my page to "Arda's Ride" --click on the link on the right side of this page, she has lots of photos posted, and I am in a few. I'll try to get some pictures posted soon.

Love you all. Thanks for your prayers. I felt strong for our first really big day yesterday, and I know it was the Lord giving me strength and joy as I rode. Blessings all.

First Fall! Can't believe I did this!

Can you believe this? Can't figure out how to turn this photo right side up, but I took a little spill. Hollie and Terry it was nothing like the spill I took by Hollie's house! Hopefully, I got it out of my system. This is a silly little fall, where I just forgot to unclip my shoes. I got up laughing--more embarrassed than hurt.

First Day of Riding--San Diego to Alpine, CA

Well, early this morning we dipped our back tires in the Pacific Ocean. It was 8:30 in the morning, clear, beautiful and warm. All 30 of us were down on the beach. It was awesome! I am having so much fun!

The ride started on trails and was at a moderate pace as we headed out of the city. It was a great day of biking, no wind or rain, but very warm for this Washington rider.

As the day progressed, it got quite a bit warmer (85-ish) and I did manage to get a bit of a sunburn on my right ear. We hit quite several good hills, mostly long climbs with 3 to 8% grades. There was one rest stop today, and I thought I was in the middle of the "pack" when I left the rest stop. I was quite surprised when I got to the hotel, and there were three riders sitting out front. When I asked where everyone was, I was told that this was it and I was number 4 coming in. Over the next 2 hours the rest of the riders straggled in, some in the SAG vehicle. After a dip in the pool, I did some laundry, and then we had a wonderful dinner of fish, potatoes, salad, and broccoli. I am so impressed that they feed us well.

I'm inspired by so many of the women I am riding with. One of the ladies I rode with today, had been diagnosed with non-smoker lung cancer last year. She had surgery just last December 2007, removing part of a lung lobe. She slowed down on the hills to catch her breath, but did really well. I admire her courage and tenacity to do the ride!

Almost ready to ride!

Well, I'm here in San Diego, where the sun is shining, it's 73 degrees, and beautiful. We have had a good trip down from Washington seeing family and old friends. My group rides out tomorrow morning from the beach in San Diego. To say we are excited, would be an understatement. We are all worried about the weight of our suitcases, knowing that if it is more than 50 pounds, something has to stay behind. I hope to keep up with blogging every chance I get and will have pictures to upload next time.



Since I am one of the four SAG drivers, I will be driving once every four days. And also the SAG drivers have clean-up duties each night after dinner. Our job is to keep track of riders along the route, help those who need help, provide water, snacks, and a ride if necessary. Should be fun! My first day to drive will be Sunday--a 68 mile ride to Brawley. So, I should have lots of extra time to take pictures.

Tonight, we will have a "kick-off" banquet. Then early to bed to be ready for tomorrow. Blessings to you all. Thanks for all your love, support, and encouragement.