Paul calls in from Cuba
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Hello! This is Paul who has now defected to Cuba. Well Cuba, New Mexico, anyway. Message for Molly and Benjamin. I've been eating cheese straws for lunch like you get at Burley Pig Grandad's house and they're very tasty. Message for Thomas and Freddie. I went down the Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Road today with lots of grass growing down the middle of it but I wish I could fly like Chitty Chitty Bang Bang because it was very, very bumpy and it took a lot of time to get where we are today. So, a quick recap, for the past two days. We set off from Horca and it was very,very rough going, very beautiful (probably the most beautiful bit of the route so far) as we left Colorado and came into New Mexico. Potentilla flowers (bushes) growing wild in meadows very high up at about 11,000', scruboak growing underneath Ponderosa Pine. Very, very pleasant except for the roughness of the riding. It was very difficult going. We only made 40 miles in the first 5.5 hours yesterday. Then we managed to catch up. We actually had a race into Abiquiu because when we got to El Reto, apart from it being a nice Ovando or Atlantic City kind of place, it was completely empty; devoid of all services that might be of any use to Tour Divide riders. So we had to race down to Abiquiu to get there before the inn closed because we were a bit low on provisions and we didn't want to camp but we made it with six minutes to spare thanks to a two mile burst in six miles along the last bit od road. I wish I could keep that pace up in a time trial at home. We made it there but unfortunately another rough day today. Steve has not been well. He was sick last night and this morning so he didn't join us today. I hope it means he can recuperate and push on tomorrow maybe. He said he was going to take a day to think about it. We wish him well. A tough day from Albiquiu but there's great downhill to appreciate. Then, what else? We rode through the Rainbow Gathering. We've had everything. We've had hail that was extremely stinging and unpleasant. We've had two or three thunderstorms. We've had lots of hot sunshine and the Rainbow Gathering as well. Oh! and an abandoned VW Jetta. How it managed to get where it is without four wheel drive I don't know. That's it. Hopefully Grants, or somewhere after Grants, tomorrow.
Comments
superstar daddyonabike
The children loved the messages - we think you are a superstar and are mentally willing you from afar through all that devious New Mexico mud - one rider said it was up there at the top with the Lima mud...only. less than 600 miles to go. Love your 6 biggest fans back at home.
Paul Howard
Hey Paul,
Ive been tracking you on line, and just wanted to say how impressed I am of the distance you have travelled and how near to the end you are.
Very well done and look forward to seeing you when back at home safe and well.
xx
Suare eyes
Paul
VCE is with you to a man !! Great performance from both you and your 2 colleages. Hope Steve recovers to make it to the finish. Here we are going square eyed...through following you and the Tour de France, which has just started.
Keep going.... you've cracked the longest part now....... we're with you and wish you onward to A.Wells !!
Mike M
6 biggest fans?
Hi Paul,
First comment from me, but I've been watching your progress with interest. Well done indeed so far and hope you continue in fine form to the end. That Matthew Lee fella's a bit pacey isn't he?
I look forward to hearing all about it in person when you get back. I've been riding to and from work to show my solidarity - all of 12 miles each day!
All the best,
Charlie
ps - Catherine, Molly, Benjamin, Thomas and Freddie makes five. Who's the 6th? News?!
No 6th one I'm afraid!
Sorry if that got you a bit excited Charlie but despite being an accountant I obviously can't count...I can assure you there are still only 5 of us back here cheering daddy on.
Are you there yet?
Dear Ton Ton,
Are you nearly in Mexico? By the looks of it you have gone off route. I'm a bit worried about this. It's good you haven't given up yet (well done). I am looking forward to seeing photos of bears and cowboys.
Love Daisy Pumpkin xxx
I'm going to become a lyricist -
Go Go Go Paulie, you know what they say.
Hang in there Paulie, you'll make it some day.
Sha-la-la Paulie, you're doin' fine,
You and your cycle, ahead of your time!
You are doing BRILLIANTLY. Well done!
xx
So... have you seen a pork
So... have you seen a pork pie?
You're doing so well and still managing to be funny too; what a guy.
Good luck for the last chunk!
Tour de France warm down?
Sounds like you're in good spirits for the final push. Keep up the pace and you could catch up with the Tour de France guys (that's the race in Europe for those not quite up to the Tour Divide ride). A chance to warm down after your long ride. Lance had no comment when I spoke to him about you joining in, but Mark Cavendish said he would hang back for you. He may have been lying about that judging by the first two stages...or maybe he's worried about your new-found sprinting power.
Allez! Allez!
Rod
Go Paul Go!
We're getting square eyes as well - I've never spent so much time staring at a computer in my life! Everyone here is cheering you on, and mentally riding with you all the way. Good luck for the last push, can't wait to here all about it when you get back, lots of love from all of us in Yorkshire.
Leeds United still two divisions away from the Premiership
It's true that you've been away a long time, doing something or other, but not much has changed while you've been gone.
Leeds United are still a League One team - no magical overnight promotion has seen them invited to join the Premiership elite. Away fans are still going to have to make the dreary away trip to Exeter rather than Everton, MK Dons rather than MUFC.
The British government is, if anything, yet more deeply in hock to banks and bondholders than it was when you left.
And the BBC is still stubbornly sticking to its intention to screen a new series of Strictly Come Dancing.
Yes, things are as bad here as they ever were.
So whatever hellish experiences you are going through, just remember that it is far, far worse for those of us left here.
Let that be a consolation - perhaps even an inspiration - to you.
BTW, Lisa says she's rooting for you and wishes to send you love. I can't bear such unhealthy displays of emotion.
Respectfully yours,
Weekes
HEY PAUL- I HOPE YOU WERE NOT
HEY PAUL-
I HOPE YOU WERE NOT DEPRESSED SOMEWHAT WHEN YOUR GOOD FATHER REFERRED TO YOUR PAST BICYCLE TOUR IN FRANCE. NOT DOUBT IT BROUGHT SOME GOOD MEMORIES TO YOUR MIND.
AS YOU NOW KNOW, NEW MEXICO IS SURELY NOT FRANCE. IT IS BARELY CIVILIZED.
AH, FRANCE. AT THE END OF EACH DAY. YOU PROBABLY HAD A WARM BATH, A GOOD AMOUNT OF PINOT NOIR, A PLATE OF STEAMING PASTA, A FRESH BAGUETTE, A COMFORTABLE BED, ETC. ON THE OTHER HAND, IN NEW MEXICO AT THE END OF EACH DAY,YOU DREAM OF BEARS, RATTLESNAKES, CENTIPEDES, TARANTULAS AND MAGNETIC MUD.
THIS IS MY ADVICE TO YOU. DON'T DON'T EVEN THINK OF FRANCE UNTIL YOU ARRIVE IN ANTELOPE WELLS. YOU MIGHT WONDER WHAT THE HECK YOU YOU ARE DOING IN NEW MEXICO.
KEEP THE CARDS AND LETTERS COMING. GOOD LUCK.
JAMIE THOMSON'S FATHER
P.S. ARE YOUR PARENTS INTERESTED IN A HOUSE TRADE IN SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO?
Hi Paul, You are doing so
Hi Paul,
You are doing so well and your little sis is very proud of you! As well as a little green with envy.
Not long to go now.
Keep going
Loz (Cambridge)
The song says "Only 24 hours
The song says "Only 24 hours to go". I know you'll only want to get it finished now but try to savour it as much as you can. You aren't going to do it every year. The very best of luck for the remainder of your adventure.
A ride around the block
Hi Paul,
Just checked your progress , and with 130 miles to go, thats Winchester, Eastbourne then Home, Fantastic.
Take care Alan & Norma.
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