Emory Peak - Monday 2/27

On Monday the road rose to meet us, and rose higher and higher and higher.  We left Silver City early in the morning and at 4 o'clock we finally crossed Emory Peak.  At 8228 feet it is the highest point in our entire planned trip.  We've been looking at that point on the map ever since we left San Diego.

To get there we had to pass through many ups and downs and snow covered hillsides.  We had our first mechanical problem when the front tire started changing shape and had to be replaced.  The tire picked up a small cut in San Diego County so I've been monitoring it closely and it finally started bulging on the side.

After crossing the peak I had to keep the drum break on for almost 3 miles to keep the downhill speed manageable.  The combination of low temperature, high-speed, and not pedaling made us really cold on the downhill.

After completing 58.1 miles we pulled into Hillsboro, a quaint little village.  But it was 5 PM and all the stores and cafés were closed.  The bed and breakfast was kind of expensive and the motel had no one to let us in.  There was a sign telling us to call the motel owner but there was no cell coverage in that town.  A passing local told us we could get cell coverage at the top of the hill so we tried but it didn't work with our cell phone.  She also told us that we could camp in the town square and get water from the guy across the street that ran the museum. 

So we camped for free in the town square.  Another local showed us how to cross the street and ring the brass bell.  That brought Jim came out of his trailer and he was happy to fill our water bottles.

The truth from Ruth:  Today is my new favorite riding day.  To think we almost didn't do it.  The scenery was so beautiful, with the snow, running creeks, and tall trees.  Even though there was snow on the ground, the sun was shining and it was very pleasant weather, until we were on the descent.  The view at the top took my breath away.  It was a super day.