Day 17 (5/9/22): 1,000 Miles!

Start:                                Tucumcari, NM

End:                                  Amarillo, TX

 Mileage:                          61 miles

Elevation Gain:                637 feet

I went over 1,000 miles just after we entered Texas this morning.  I have a hard time wrapping my head around that number.  It just seems very far.  Maybe so, but there is still a lot of road to go.

Today’s ride was even faster (and easier) than yesterday.  At nearly 22 mph for 61 miles, I know it’s the fastest 50+ ride I’ve ever completed.  Unlike every other day when the wind grew stronger as the day went on, it was at full force from the moment we woke up.  It was difficult to load the van this morning (we believe a sandal managed to blow out of the van), but it was headed nearly due east which also happened to be my direction as well.  A tailwind is one of the most beautiful sounds you’ll never hear. 

Not a lot of interesting scenery today though.  A lot of wind turbines, my first real cattle farm (an olfactory “treat” to say the least), and a bit of the Amarillo suburbs. 

The one highlight was a group of 4 prong horns who came up and visited on the other side of a fence until I got a bit too close.  They’re quite beautiful.  These were babies unlike yesterday’s buck.  I also have a correction from the interpretive volunteer from the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park who is on the trip.  I identified the buck as a prong horn antelope yesterday.  They are not antelope, and I will not refer to them as such again.

I convinced Tish to take me to the Cadillac Ranch on the outskirts of Amarillo once we got settled this afternoon.  Crazy place.  Look at the gallery.  10 Cadillacs half buried in the ground that have been spray painted over and over again.  They actually sell spray paint from a trailer as you’re walking up to the cars.  It was an interesting juxtaposition of modern art on the barren Texas panhandle.  If you’re every in Amarillo, I’d suggest ignoring Bruce’s lyrics and “let them” take you to the Cadillac Ranch.

 What I’m Grateful for Today

• I’ve been thrilled with how well I’ve felt throughout most of the journey.  I’ve really not had any aches or pains of note.  My legs feel great and my feet are fine.  Other than my previously-mentioned problems with my fingernails, the only thing that’s bothering me is my left wrist.  I guess I’m just not used to grabbing the handle bars so much for so long.  Schlepping luggage in and out of our accommodations hasn’t helped either.  Regardless, I’m really pleased.