Today was a long day! We started in Cuba, NM and were supposed to end in Farmington... which would have ended up being a little over 100 miles. But as we rode into the city, the shoulder disappeared and HUGE 18 wheelers were flying by me at 55 miles per hour so, for the sake of safety, we had to pack it up and drive in the last few miles. I know it was completely necessary, and I really do commend Todd for stepping up as the ride director and making us drive it, but we were all feeling really good and wanting to finish the ride, so we were all pretty disappointed that we didn't get to finish the day. Evidently this has happened every year because that rode is just not drivable. Ever. But especially at rush hour. Note to next year's team: find another way into Farmington.

Now I'm sitting in an air conditioned house, stuffed full of delicious homemade eggrolls (yeah. seriously the greatest things ever), freshly showered, and feeling great. Seriously- my host family tonight totally rocks!!! Ever since they picked me up at the community center (where we were fed a delicious meal), I have been totally spoiled. They are doing everything they can to make me feel at home- they even hooked me up with a ice cold glass of diet coke (soda doesn't really exist on texas 4000). This is all especially nice after a night of no showers in Cuba. Tonight I was totally disgusted by how much dirt came off of my legs. Amazing really.

The truly amazing part of this whole trip is how much I've learned to appreciate the small things. Showers, fresh fruit, food in general, a bed (I get to sleep in one tonight!!!!), cold water, air conditioning: all things I would have expected before this trip, and now things that I feel so honored and privileged to have. People have really been unbelievable in their hospitality everywhere we go. The tiniest towns somehow make room for us in their churches and community centers and it is SO appreciated. So to any of our hosts who might be reading this: thank you all so much! Without you guys, this journey really wouldn't be possible.

It's almost 9 and tomorrow is a long day too. We get to sleep in a little bit (YAY!!! I don't have to wake up at 5am), but that also means we won't get on the road until the sun is high in the sky and the day is getting hot. This whole biking in the desert thing is really overrated. It's super cold in the morning and I shiver through the first several miles and then a few hours later it's a bazillion degrees outside. But no rain yet, which is great. I've heard rumors that the rockies team is getting a lot of rain. Hilarious. I guess that's what they get for choosing the inferior route. kidding. kind of.