Day 39, 58 miles (2347). I left Hillsboro NM way before sunrise hoping to get a jump on the west wind that was forecast to blow strong by afternoon. The 3K of climbing was easier in my opinion than what followed it, pedaling into a stiffening headwind. It felt like I was cycling in slow motion for 40 miles of rolling hills. The wind was so strong on some of the hills that I was forced to walk my bike on the steeper grades. I arrived in Silver City NM totally dead. Since the forecast calls for strong west winds the next two days, tomorrow will be a day to rest and stock up on food for the barren miles between Silver City and Tempe, AZ.
A note on tires. When I started the trip I was riding on a Maxxis tire 700c x 38mm that uses a Kevlar belt in the main tread for puncture resistance. I had a total of 9 flats in the first 1,000 miles, mostly from fine tire wire. I installed Schwalbe Marathon Plus tires (35mm) about 1350 miles ago and I have had only one puncture- a toothpick! The new tires have more rolling resistance but the trade-off is well worth it. If you ever want specialty bike tires that your local shop does not stock, try Bike Tires Direct in Portland OR, they worked a miracle supplying me with the tires I wanted but could not find anywhere in Houston or San Antonio.
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