June 25, 2025
Deadwood Gulch CG - Hansen Livestock front paddock
We woke to a fresh, cool breeze blowing out of the gorge we planned to ride through. Too windy for mosquitos, but looking like a tough start for us.
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I dressed in merino vest, long sleeve merino shirt, riding shirt, puffer vest, raincoat, leggings, rain pants, beanie, neck buff, and waddled to the toilet building to heat water in its wind shadow.
Fortunately the wind was worst at the camp, and I was quickly reducing the layers when I started riding.
We followed Sheep Creek through a rocky gorge and popped out into a Wyoming-esque landscape.
Several hours crossing that valley, with just TD riders to wave at, and a short steep hill, and it was downhill for the rest of the day. NICE!
NoBo riders definitely got the easiest uphill - I stopped to chat to a TD rider who was stopped, eating more sugar, and he was in a fairly low state, wishing himself to the top of the climb and the end of his HAB session.
On a later corner I met some stockmen, and one of their horses started to spook at my bike, so I stopped to chat. We agreed I was the only sensible rider, heading away from the New Mexico heat!
The road was freshly scrapped and watered, making for a lovely surface, and with a 2 or 3% down gradient - for the next 40km!!
On Dave-of-the-magnificent-beard"s advice, we pulled into Hansen Livestock farm, and camped in their front paddock. It's a lovely spot (more lawn than paddock!) with hot shower and great wifi.
The stockmen I'd chatted to on the hill arrived with his trailer of cattle and horses, and it turned out he was the farm manager, and he invited us to have dinner with him and his girlfriend.
What a treat! Delicious steaks on the BBQ, and an opportunity to chat with more locals. I think we held up our end of the deal by being good dinner entertainment.
Today's ride: 78 km (48 miles)
Total: 3,303 km (2,051 miles)
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