What a GREAT stopping point in my 4-day (02-05OCT2019) 319mile/510kms Michael Rachelson Memorial Biketour! It is Eastbound on I-10, exit 54, and is a fully supplied bathroom stop with a large well paved lot for pull-through tractor-trailers and ample smaller (motor)vehicle parking. And much to my very pleasant surprise, excellent accommodation of my own vehicle, an eBikeKit-assisted CruzBike. What pleased me even more was being able to partially recharge my ebattery in the (male) restroom. Whilst inside & plugged in, I apologized to every person (male) who came into this facility because I/my vehicle was taking up some room though no one was ever unable to use as needed. Every person told me no problem, some even admired how I was able to creatively recharge. In fact, one man wanted his family to see what an eBike was like; I have no difficulty discussing my machine, nor why I've had to start using this kind of a helper.
Once I had recharged for an hour it two, I walked my bike to one of the picnic areas--each are brightly illuminated. I was not going to rest INside, but immediately outside, where the dark (and stormy) night would allow me undisturbed rest. Alas, the lack of stars overhead & immense lightning storm to the South forecasted I'd not be outside long. After relocation, I was able to rest under the cement table with less light intruding.
This really was a great way to end a long day of cycling from the incredible Pancho Villa State Park, ColumbusNM to the fantastic HACHITA FOOD MART, where owner/operator Jeff allowed me to park in the Northside shade of his store, partially recharge my recumbent AND replace the FOUR spokes that had broken during the 45mile/72kms distance.
After three hours, I was on my way, cycling North on NM146 to I-10, crossing the Continental Divide. How exhilarating! When I reached I-10 and turned East toward Deming, I crossed the Continental Divide AGAIN! The last time I can remember pedaling across this Great Divide twice was bicycling with my wife in JULY 1985, when we biketoured across it on the Southwestern segment of the lower loop of Yellowstone National Park (Wyoming). 30+ years later, bicycling, albeit with eBikeKit help, still holds true! read more