Las Cruces, NM - Tues, April 13th

Since I'm so far behind on my blog right now this day will not get the time and effort it deserves. The day started off just like any other. We had a 65 mile ride ahead of us and we were on the road around 7:30. I road with Jody all morning and we had a pre journal club two man journal club. I figured since I stayed up until midnight the night before I might as well discuss the article as much as possible. It was one Adam had chosen and was very interesting and educational.

We rode through the first water stop and on to the lunch stop where all the fun really began. I'm really trying to take advantage of my time in the southwest and collect as much local apparel as I can. I'm on a mission for some kickass cowboy boots at some point, but that's not where this story is going. I'd been eyeing a particular belt buckle since the previous days stop and with the encouragement of Jen and Jody I decided it was time to make my purchase.

With a new belt and buckle around my waist it was time to leave the rest stop and get to the synagogue at Las Cruces. I hit the road with Jen and Jody and we were on our way. Just as we were beginning a massive downhill I felt the buckle loosen and my fantastic new purchase fall behind my back wheel. As my friends dropped further down the hill I jumped from my bicycle and started running backwards to rescue my belt from the road. Just then I saw Libby and Bryce coming in my direction. After checking to make sure I was alright they headed down the hill. I grabbed the belt from the road, wrapped it around me and tucked it into my spandex for good measure. I coasted down the hill hitting my max speed for the trip so far - only 41 - I'm hoping for faster another day and met back up with my friends at the bottom of the hill. We headed off together to cross the Rio Grande river and cruise through the city before arriving at our destination.

We made it to the synagogue before it was unlocked and the van wasn't there. We hung out for about an hour before Chris came to the rescue with freeze pops.

Soon after the staff arrived, welcomed us inside and fed us snacks. We had a quick journal club followed by a delicious pizza dinner and we were off to our homestays. I had a fantastic evening with Joe watching Vertical Limit (one of his favorites) and enjoying a very delicious smoothie!