Day 57 Abiquiu NM

A rest day today. An opportunity to recover, post blogs, call home & reorganize pack for the longer hauls. Last night I checked in to the Abiquiu Inn, an impressive establishment where I was warmly greeted by the front desk. who showed keen interest in my journey & adventures. It was only in the restaurant where my lack of appropriate attire was to matter. Here I received a lukewarm reception & poor service – disappointing but not the end of the world.

My tour of Abiquiu was brief. It is tiny, consisting of a town square contains a Catholic church, library & a few old houses. All the traditional pueblo style.

Town Square – Church

Town Square- dwelling

Town Square- Library

On my trip to the supermarket, I met Joao riding into town & we headed back to the inn for drinks – sadly, being Sunday, alcohol was off the menu so chatted over glasses of lemonade. The Divide is a big commitment for anyone, behind which, is at least one big reason. For me it was a couple: my lifetime passion for America, the people & places on the Divide’s remote route on east side of the Rockies would be a new experience; another is my need for adventure; and finally, to see if I could revive my ageing & recently neglected body back to a level of fitness necessary to complete such a mammoth ride.

Joao is a gentle man in his mid 40’s, who has recently come out of a long term relationship. Understandably he wants distance between that part of his life & his future. The Divide is providing him the place to achieve this. Here, he is totally free, has the opportunity to reestablish his identity, & be with new, good friends – and have a great adventure to boot!

We both are certain that, more than anything else, the ride is about the people we meet, it is what makes the ride awesome!!

My evening was spent tweaking my bike packing to accommodate additional water & carbs. The weather forecast is a big concern. There is a real risk that a Pacific tropical storm will cause heavy rain on Tuesday thro Friday & catch me at 10,000ft in the wilds. I have an opportunity to travel by road but would miss out on a major part of the Divide. The accuracy of the forecast & quality of track will undoubtedly determine my progress & success at getting to my next town, Cuba NM.

The hotel receptionist informed me of two new bike shelters being established in the area at Coyote Valley Casita & LaMesa, along the GDMBR ready for the 2019 session – Contacts +1 505 919 9385 or +1 505 901 3124. Check them out if you are thinking of riding next year.