T R A V E L   L O G tj|ca|st
T R A V E L   L O G
tj|ca|st

R O M P I N G   A R O U N D   N O R T H E R N   N E W   M E X I C O

Thursday, November 18, 2004

A little more driving takes me to the biking trailhead, where I park the van then make preparations for my ride.

Nearby I notice this simple cross erected in memorial to Steve Wedo Martinez. Sadly, I have to admit, this is an all too common sight. During my cross-country trip I've encountered many such roadside memorials. And you know what? I always pass them by. It's always too inconvenient to stop and pay respects, but I always think about them. With each and every one I wonder about the circumstances behind each memorial, was the dearly departed in a vehicle or perhaps walking when death unexpectedly descended upon them. I think about the person. Who where they, did they suffer, was their death their fault? Someone elses?

Whenever I see these roadside memorials I always feel rather helpless, you know what I mean? But what can one do? They're dead and there's no bringing them back. In this rare case there -is- something I can do to not feel totally useless, I readjust the plastic flowers so they display in an upright position. Rest in peace Mr. Steve Wedo Martinez.

Okay, no more reflecting upon death, the time has arrived to hit the trail. It's still a bit cool out so I don my warmest biking gear to ward off the chill. I'm now more than 7,000 feet above sea level and it's mid-November, so chilly weather is no surprise. I'm ready to test my mettle on the Rio Grande del Rancho Trail. Admittedly, I'm rather out of shape right now and I think I may be coming down with a mild case of something or other. I think the last time I rode was something like 12 states ago in Maine. This ride should prove to be a difficult one, if not an interesting one.

Click here for more detail and pictures of my adventures on the Rio Grande del Rancho Trail.

After a difficult bike ride I spill into home-sweet-home. Feeling a need to distance myself from my sweaty, lackluster biking experience, I make preparations to get squeaky-clean. A shower would hit the spot right now but that's not an option. The best I can do is a washcloth/towel bath. Washcloth/towel bath?


<<<   Page 1 2 3 4 5 6   >>>

Prev Day | Next Day

US Supreme Court, Washington, DC
Street Musician, Denver, CO
Rose Parade, Pasadena, CA
Somewhere in Central Colorado
Rose Parade, Pasadena, CA
Momma Gorilla with Baby, San Diego Zoo, San Diego, CA
Couple atop Mount Chocorua, White Mountains, NH
X