Day 15: Las Cruces-Alamogordo

We were to have another day of favorable winds. We weren't so sure to begin with as, at the morning map meeting there were tales of hazardous wind conditions at the top of St. Augustin's pass which we would soon pass and the morning weather report had wind warnings. After a gradual ascent till mi 14 there was a more vigorous, though only 3 mi climb to the summit at 5,719'. There were 50 mph gale force winds at the pass but as we descended, the protection of the mountain ameliorated their strength, but never-the-less, there were stiff tail winds and at time buffeting side winds. I braked most of the way such that my hands were numb. The road finally leveled out 9 mi down. Ironically, I picked up my speed on the level with the help of a strong tail wind, feeling more in control, often exceeding 25 mph on a smooth shoulder, the best road conditions of the trip. There was a Wheels lunch provided at the entrance to White Sands Natl.Monument. We were shuttled 8 mi into the park to climb onto the snow white dunes but the howling winds, driving stinging sand and obscuring the distant mountains prompted a quick retreat. The final 15 mi to Las Cruces was quick and first item of business was the weekly dirty job of bike cleaning and chain lubing. Only then could we check into our Motel 6 rooms and shower. We have Palm Sunday off, then on Monday face a 16 mi uphill to Cloudcroft, ele.8,450.