Cuba, NM to Camp 1918 It was nice to have a real bed, and I slept well and felt pretty good in the morning. Alex and I were to ride together again—we seem to enjoy each others company and are a good match pace-wise. We left the hotel at 8:00 and went straight to a restaurant for a big breakfast. The weather forecast had improved a little, and our plan was to get at least half way to Grants so even if it did rain Friday afternoon we would be through the desert and mud risk by then. We got on the road about 9:30, not sure exactly where we would stay, or how many miles we would ride. We brought enough water for 2 days just in case we had trouble finding some. The route started with 9 miles of highway riding. Not ideal, but there was a wide shoulder with rumble strips that give some level of comfort. Still, we were glad to turn on gravel and begin the desert trek for the day. The views began relatively featureless and flat, but quickly transformed into beautiful red rock, deep washes, cacti of several types and amazing views in every direction. The roads were in great shape, but we did pass a sign that said “road impassable during inclement weather”. At one point we caught up with 2 riders: Jim and Meg from the UK. They were a father/daughter duo doing the GDMBR and doing so well. I don’t know Jim’s age, but Meg is in her mid twenties. Jim said that before this trip he hadn’t been on a bike since he was 17. They seemed to be having a great time riding together and after talking with them for a while we wished them the greatest adventure ever and forged ahead. We stopped a lot to take pictures and have snacks, and at about 60 miles in we started looking for a camp spot. We did spot a windmill close to the road, and it was producing some nice clear water, so we got some. Alex found a really cool camp spot nestled in some desert rocks. It had shelter from the afternoon sun, and would be in the sunrise in the morning. We settled in, and listened to the coyotes howling out in the desert. It was such a peaceful spot—perfectly calm and warm with a magical feel to it. I stayed up too late just looking at the stars and thinking how grateful I am to be in that place soaking it all in. It was a beautiful night that I didn’t want to end…