Day 12

A Day of Endurance: Battling Through the Storm from Grants to Albuquerque

Day 12 dawned with ominous skies and a chill in the air, foreshadowing the challenges that lay ahead.

The day started innocently enough, with 52-degree weather and a slight misting of rain. But as we pedaled further, the heavens opened up, unleashing a deluge of rain that felt like hail pelting down upon us. For 25 long miles, we battled through the storm, our rain gear barely holding up against the relentless downpour. We were soaked to the bone, every inch of clothing clinging to our skin, but still, we pushed forward, driven by a stubborn refusal to let the weather defeat us.

Finally, a beacon of hope appeared on the horizon in the form of a gas station convenience store. We rushed inside, seeking refuge from the cold and wet, and were greeted by the comforting warmth of hot coffee, tea, and chocolate. As we huddled together, savoring the heat and camaraderie, the rain continued to fall outside, but our spirits were lifted by the promise of respite.

As we continued our journey towards Albuquerque, the skies remained overcast, but the rain had finally ceased. Passing by the swollen and swiftly moving Rio Grande River, we were reminded of the awesome power of nature, even in its most turbulent moments. Exhausted and weary from the day’s trials, we made a beeline for the Holiday Inn, grateful for the promise of dry clothes and a hot shower.

As we gathered at the Holiday Inn, damp and weary but safe and sound, there was a palpable sense of relief in the air. A few pictures were taken to commemorate the day’s ordeal, but mostly, we were just glad to have made it through in one piece. Despite the challenges we faced, we emerged stronger and more resilient, united by the shared experience of battling through the storm together.