Also, are you driving through Abiquiu? IDK if you have any interest in Georgia O'Keeffe, but her former home, Ghost Ranch, is reported to be a lovely place to stay. They have accommodations and a cafe.

Also just outside of Abiquiu is a Monastery where you can stay. Two night minimum, no talking allowed. It is a retreat. What a unique experience!

In that area, is Echo Campground, which sounds special.

You can tell I like the road through Abiquiu!

Having written all of that. Now I have to ask - is the road closed in that area because of the fire?

Thank you! We will check out your suggestion.

Sounds like you have a good plan moving forward. I’m sure you will redesign a tour to remember.

Being flexible and thinking on your feet is part of staying happy!

Picking up a dirt road route in Colorado right now might not be the best fun, as it snowed all weekend in the mountains. I suspect those roads will be all mud.

I do like Del Norte - that is a fun area. Boogie's Diner has great pancakes and breakfast. Lunch and dinner are less special. My opinion.

Here's a thought. In 2020 we did the Chevy tour (I want to link it, but the link won't go through). It's roughly a paved version of the Great Divide. Friendly mileages, we stayed in motels each night, so services are there if you want them. I would be honored if you would borrow the route.

Here's a second thought. We are starting out on Friday, riding to Glenwood Springs. Perhaps we could meet and ride together? Colorado is still on the cool side. I'm sitting on the couch with a blanket and a jacket as I write this!

Just some thoughts - see if any of them stick. Do look at my map and info for the 2020 trip. Jacinto and I agree that was our best trip ever. No contest.

Thanks Lori, yes experience has given us various ways of looking at things and obstacles. Patrick though is not enjoying this so far (only 3 days cycling) and still feeling wiped out by the heat. He is liking less the unknowns of touring. We also have an "out" with his dad and wife still within a days drive. We are talking about options, maybe return home and ride the Idaho Hot Springs Loop!
Thank you for your encouragement.

Just take it easy, but you know that.. we've had several tour plans change due to heat.. once outside of Pittsburgh headed to Buffalo it was so damn hot we couldn't bring ourselves to leave the subway shop and it's AC. We finally did and as we rode up the next hill and a moving van passed us. We looked at each other and before you know it we had rented a small moving van to transport us the 80 miles to just outside Buffalo. So much cheaper and you can do one ways!.. keep drinking and keep those bandanas wet.

Yep heat sucks.. dry heat, wet heat.. and I hate the nausea and cramps bit. A friend told me pickle juice helps with cramps.. so maybe find a pickle tree lol or carry one of those pickles in a bag that you can find in convenience stores.

We love second breakfasts! Third breakfast are good too!

Thanks Kelly, our goal is to keep moving and do what we can. I'm thinking I have a bit hubris thinking I can do this ride at the age of 71. We are in Silver City now. The wind was the problem today! We are going to slow down and get our mojo back.

Snow, go figure. The weather is just crazy. Happy travels and you too stay safe.

Thank you Bill! We are counting on you to help us identify what we are seeing!

It snowed in Colorado all weekend. Such irony. Stay safe.

Our first day riding in Myanmar was 50 miles in 110F heat. We sure weren't ready for that, and had to stop in the shade for a few hours, but at least there was some, if thorny and sparse. I don't tolerate heat well anymore as I get older.

Cane cholla

https://swbiodiversity.org/seinet/taxa/index.php?taxon=63

Looks like soaptree yucca.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yucca_elata

Nice photo of this prickly poppy!

https://swbiodiversity.org/seinet/taxa/index.php?taxon=463