DAY 18 TUCUMCARI, NM TO DALHART, TEXAS

TODAY STARTED OFF GREAT.  THE TEMPERATURE WAS PERFECT, IN THE HIGH 60'S, THE ROAD SURFACE WAS PERFECT AND THE WIND WAS NOT A FACTOR.  WE DEPARTED TUCUMCARI AT 7:00 AM AND HEADED EAST TO CROSS OUR 3RD STATE LINE INTO TEXAS.  TIM AND I WERE BURNING UP THE PAVEMENT, AVERAGING JUST UNDER 20 MPH.

AFTER OUR FIRST SAG THINGS CHANGED.  TEMPERATURES ROSE INTO THE 80'S AND THE WIND PICKED UP DRAMATICALLY, BLOWING DIRECTLY IN OUR FACES.  WITH OVER 50 MILES REMAINING OUR SPEED WAS REDUCED TO 10 - 12 MPH.  AFTER 7 HOURS IN THE SADDLE, WE COMPLETED THE 96 MILE DISTANCE.

TODAY WAS THE MOST DIFFICULT RIDING I'VE EVER EXPERIENCED.  I'M KEEPING MY FINGERS CROSSED THE WIND CHNAGES DIRECTLY AND REDUCES IN INTENSITY.

I RECEIVED GREAT NEWS TODAY.  MICHELLE WENT TO THE DOCTOR TO HAVE HER KNEE CHECKED OUT.  SHE RECEIVED A CORTIZONE SHOT IN THE AREA OF HER "IT" BAND.  THE DOCTOR THINKS WITH SOME PHYSICAL THERAPY AND CONTINUED STRETCHING SHE'LL BE GOOD TO GO.  WE ANTICIPATE SHE'LL REJOIN THE TOUR ON JUNE 2ND IN ABALINE, KS AND COMPLETE THE BALANCE OF THE RIDE.

I HOPE EVERYONE ENJOYED A RELAXING MEMORIAL DAY HOLIDAY.


REGARDS,

MICHAEL

Sign on the way to Dalhart, Texas

Crossing into Texas

Feed Lots in Dalhart, TX