LOOKING WEST NEAR THE START OF THE MORNING

DENVER AT THE TOP OF HEARTBREAK HILL - YES, I AND OTHERS HAD TO WALK UP.  Heartbreak Hill is really pretty short - but QUITE steep. About1/2 made it without pushing their bike. I did not. I walked up with a local who was extremely disgusted with himself. He had made it in practice the week before, but did not the day of the century!!!

FIRST REST STOP.  THERE WERE SIX ALONG THE WAY  The guy in the picture is part of a group called "Team Leukemia". One team was from San Diego. They practice and practice and must get pledges to support Leukemia survivors. They raise a LOT of money. They are really a team. If one person has a flat, the WHOLE group stops. If people have to walk up Heartbreak Hill, they all wait at the top.

THE WIDE OPEN PLAINS OF NEW MEXICO

THE FIRST HILL, LOOKING WEST

NEARING THE END OF THE 100 MILES.  WONDERFUL REST STOPS.  BUT, ABSOLUTELY NO RESTAURANTS AND ONE STORE!!  NORA RODE THE 25 MILE LEG.  WHAT A GREAT DAY!!