Day 4 – Into Silver City on fresh singletrack

Woke up to a bright sun on ponderosa pines, and purple lupines just outside the sleeping bag.  The order of the day was dropping down forest singletrack.

We had a choice, and we decided to continue on CDT, skipping a faster route to Silver CIty and the route thru-hikers use.  It was early in the day, singletrack called.  We have bikes to take us quickly into town when needed.

It was glorious.  Tires rolled, feet pushed up hills reminiscent of the Canelos.  Hawks soared overhead.  Lizards scrambled.  Tires slid, calories ran low.  Trails meandered, usually with awkward drain crossings.

For some 19 miles the ridge rolled on.  The ridge rolled on and we rolled on, marveling at this little worn trail that so few are using.

We dropped off the ridge on a road we knew little about.  A sudden purple slot and slick rock had us shouting in wonder.  Hidden treasures.

We cranked out pavement on our human powered machines.  The sun cooked us and the highway climbed.  We found ourselves food, gelato, more food and a sudden sense of community.  Bikes are all over the place where we are calling home, as well as people from all over.