August 2, Tuesday: DAY 10 - Socorro NM to Albuquerque NM

It wouldn't be a fitting last day for Rob and I if we didn't end up down a dirt road, lost, and then on the freeway. Of course, Rob and I rally and find a route that actually shaves 5 miles off the day. We are so rad. These guys are gonna miss us when we're gone.

It's a gorgeous day outside Albuquerque and we are making great time into the city. Last night we stayed at the Socorro Fire Dept's open station and it was exactly what we needed after a long day in the sun, riding into the wind. We couldn't have asked for more.

As promised here is Jorge's top ten reasons not to ride hour bike across the country (and what would make you want to do it anyway):
1) the California/Arizona desert is so hot, it will melt the cleats off your cycling shoes.
2) after 800 miles in 10 days, no bike seat is going to feel good, no matter how much it cost you.
3) you will always be hungry. Always.
4) flat tires are inevitable. Sometimes they will cause you to fall down and go boom.
5) there will usually be wind, and it will generally be a headwind.
6) when it rains, you're brakes don't work real good. If at all.
7) you will have to climb many hills, some of them long, many of them steep and a few will even take you to 8100 ft of elevation. That's higher than Lake Tahoe.
8) 5 am wake ups feel even earlier when you change time zones.
9) your butt will never feel the same. Guaranteed.
10) after you review numbers 1 through 9, you will realize you are riding for the 343 FDNY ff's who died on 9-11, and for all the men and women still fighting for our freedom overseas. We have not forgotten.