May 9, 2025
Hachita - White Signal
A cool start to the day from Hachita slowly warmed to low 20's air temp and the 20 k breeze was appreciated for the push, but not the drying effect.
Our first 43k was on pavement with the E'ly wind mostly pushing us along the loong straight road. Scenery was faily standard desert, some cattle, and wide open views.
Separ is one trading post store, noted on our ACA app as a CS - convenience store, but more a place to buy tourist tat and an ice cream. We topped up with water and picnic-ed outside.
Heading north out of Separ we hit our first County roads, and so began the categorization of gravel roads - this will be an on going and absorbing exercise!
This one had long stretchs of full width washboard with clear, but unrideable, soft sand shoulders.
Next point of interest was Thorn Ranch where we called in for more water, but appart from 2 dogs, we didn't find anyone. A quick scout of the yard located a hose, so we stoIe some water, thanked the dogs and left.
The sceney had a few more bushes now and the road (less washboard, more gravel) undulated mostly along ridgelines. The wind was often not favorable as the trail meandered, and up to 25k. I found the heat and the hills draining, and at some points felt as though I was barely moving forward. But only day 2, I told myself, so still some days to go before I settle into the touring rhythm.
I was pleased to arrive at the paved highway at White Signal, and Karo called ahead to the RV park to arrange tent sites. Our first RV park experience was great - flatish dusty site for the tents, nice bathroom and shower and a very welcoming host who could not do enough for us.
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102 km, 892m ascent, average speed a humbling 10kmph!
Quite a long day on the bike with effort very intense - not yet a sustainable cruise.
Today's ride: 102 km (63 miles)
Total: 188 km (117 miles)
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