Hobbs, New Mexico
August 10, 2013
San Angelo participants. Jerry Middleton, Christine Jones, Brian Backlund, Roy Jones, and Loyd Evans. The ride choices were a 25K, 50K, and 100K. Brian and Loyd were going on the 100K and Jerry, Christine, and I were going on the 75K. 75K wasn't one of the choices?
We did a slight modification of the course and came up with a 75K. The yellow line was our route. We cut out the "extra" loops of the 100K and came up with a very nice ride. If any of the event organizers come across this, some consideration could be given to adding this "4th" course and have even a better ride.
Jerry explaining the ride strategy. (The secret: pedal fast and hard and drink your Ovaltine).
Riders lining up. In addition to the course routes (official) outlined above, the 100K and 50K had a race group as well as the tour riders.
Not sure which category this rider was going to participate as I never saw him on the road. But I am sure he had fun.
The start taking us out of town passed a newly completed bike/walk trail (on left) that was constructed by paving an old railroad track. We have seen other cities do this and it helps to keep one safe.
Leaving Hobbs.
On the outskirts of Hobbs is a silhouette of a B-17. Hobbs Army Airfield was an airfield used during WW II. The first mission was a bombardier school but was converted to a B-17 training base after the first class of bombardiers. Today, the de-commissioned base is an industrial park.
Even though the photo is into the sun, I had to take a picture of our upcoming first "hill."
Jerry took the lead and plowed up the first hill.
Christine assumed her hill climbing posture. We all made it without having to push our bikes up.
At the crest of the hill was a very pretty cotton field.
The other side of the road demonstrates the lack of water, hence no trees, and very little vegetation.
Jerry climbing up our second "hill."
Not all of the ride was hilly. We had long stretches of flat land.
Incidentally, the relatively flat ride is what drew us back to this event. It is a pleasure just to pedal and enjoy the ride.
Jerry, don't read the next sentence. As I recall, this was our toughest hill. It topped off at 4%. (Jerry has long chided me for letting him know the grade of a hill as we climb it, even though his Garmin would tell him if he would just use that feature).
Not all of the road is straight. As we make this turn we are finally hitting the cross wind instead of in-the-face wind which seems to come from three different directions.
Sometimes I wish they would put historical markers in front of places such as this. I am sure there is an interesting history of the past occupants.
Coming upon our last hill of the ride. What goes up-comes down.
Christine in her "famous" downhill posture. She has the reputation among our groups as being one of the faster downhill riders. Now if she could master her uphill efforts, she would be a real contender.
As we were going along a long flat stretch, I decided to practice my over-the-shoulder photo shots. First try.
Second try.
Third time is a charm. Christine is used to my silly antics and enjoyed my efforts.
I forgot to mention that a good part of our ride was actually in Texas as Hobbs is just past the border line.
At the last official rest stop, Loyd pulls up and briefly joins us. Remember he and Brian were doing the 100K. Brian had already passed us back at a previous rest stop so they were actually miles ahead of us.
The ride had excellent support at all major intersections.
And talk about great support!! Christine had a flat just as we arrived at the last water stop. The gentleman in the helmet took over after he saw what I was doing (not going to tell you) and expertly fixed the flat in record time. Yes, he was faster than Rick Ogan, our local fast flat-fixer.
Loyd finishes his 100K as Brian looks on. Now it was time to eat the pasta lunch provided by the event organizers. It hit the spot after a nice bike ride.
Thanks Hobbs, Lea Regional Medical Center, and the New Mexico Junior College for another outstanding bike ride for a great cause.
Memo to self--showers are available off to the right.
