Yesterday, I rode 96.5 miles from Douglas, AZ to Lordsburg, NM. Phew. I’m taking a rest day today. I learned never to listen to an automobile driver’s recollection of hills. My original plan was to just go to Rodeo and camp out. The camping situation looked pretty bleak, so I talked to a local there. I asked her about the hills going to Lordsburg, because on the maps it didn’t look too bad. She said, “Oh, there’s only one hill and otherwise it’s pretty flat”. Haw, haw! If you look at the elevation profile on the map below, the lowest point at about mile 65 is Rodeo. The rest is the ride into Lordsburg.
I forgot to include pictures of the Hotel Gadsden. Heyoka waiting to check in.
Here’s the staircase where Pancho Villa rode his horse.
Another view of the lobby.
They have a nice looking restaurant, but their food supplier failed to deliver their order so it was closed the night I was there.
Another lobby view. Pretty swanky for less than 50 bucks a night, eh?
Here’s the staircase with the sun coming in the stained glass.
Adios, Douglas.
The desert is starting to blossom with spring flowers.
This is Jim. I met him coming from the opposite direction. He started west from Jacksonville near the beginning of February and now he’s only got 700 miles more to go. He said he’s meeting his wife at the end, but he’s two weeks ahead of schedule, so he’s taking the long way around some of the areas.
Looks like Jeff’s truck, but with a dump bed.
Heyoka resting on the site where Geronimo signed the treaty that ended all the Indian wars.
I made it to Rodeo at 2:30 Arizona time, but 3:30 New Mexico time. I stopped at the only cafe for 40 miles and it had closed at 3!
I asked these ladies if there was anyway I could still get something to eat. They said all the stuff had been put away and the grills cleaned up. Asked if maybe I could get some cold cuts to make a sandwich and one of them went back and asked the cook if he would make me a sandwich.
Here’s the cook, Frank. He made me a gourmet turkey sandwich with fresh onions, lettuce, cheese and turkey. What a nice guy!
On the way up from Rodeo to Lordsburg.
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So did you experience any encounter with ghosts at Hotel Gadsden? Maybe their food supplier got scared away, ? How much did Frank’s gourmet sammich cost ya? And, how’s your own recollections of hill climb driving your benz? Did Jim give you any good pointers for roads ahead? I like that most of the desert flowers are ‘grapel’. I sent ya pics of your flowers at home. Bob is holding the fort down, he’s enjoying the movie subscription you hooked up for him! Won’t be a long time before he’ll need to get away from the tv and check out the mower. ha Looks like you’ve met a lot of good folks in your travels. Hope it continues for the next 2400(+/-) miles! We’ll keep ‘watching’.
No, unfortunately the ghosts didn’t show. I think Heyoka must of kept them at bay. Taking all the pictures is one reason it’s slow going. I keep stopping when the scenery is so nice. The desert flowers keep getting prettier and prettier. Sammich was cheap.
I’m really glad you’re taking all the pics! I love seeing them, and you know me, I’m one who takes pics of flowers, bugs, birds, or scenery. Barry wishes sometimes I’d learn to not take so many. So what if it takes more time, it’s a way of preserving your memories! enjoy yourself!
Hi Lee.. We have been following your ride. Noticed you headed back to the Interstate. What are your thoughts on Bubba’s route? Did you find it was getting too remote? … Bill
Hey Bill, no, Bubba’s route is fine. I diverged when I wanted to ride further than Rodeo, it looked like heading to Lordsburg would be shorter in the long run, but I think it’s about the same. Going to head to Deming tomorrow and then just north of El Paso the next day.
That was sooo nice of Frank to make a sandwich for you! I can only imagine how much you’ve had to increase your caloric intake for all the hills you’re encountering. I hope you’re slathering on the sunscreen every couple hours or so. Love you!