The second day of sunny weather!

In all the sun's glory, we cruised six miles on paved road to get groceries. Then came a 15-mile climb up a gravel road to the 9,200-foot elevation. We took our time on the climb and enjoyed the Breccia Mountains to our left.

At the pass was four feet of snow on each side of the road. The weather and road were great, but I felt some kind of mechanical resistance, and I couldn't figure out where it came from. By the end of the 46.5-mile ride, I was ready to throw my bike in Mosquito Lake (elev. 9,000 feet), where we were staying for the night. Mosquito Lake, by the way, rightfully earned its name, pushing us into our tents early.

The view here calmed me from my mechanical fury, though, as was gasped at the mountains that surrounded us. They were covered with snow and had blunted tops that looked as if the tips had been sliced off.

I looked forward to tomorrow's ride to Pinedale, Wyoming, which has a bike shop. I was pretty sure I needed a new front wheel.

Tonight, Pablo announced we were one-third of the way through the trip. I couldn't believe how fast it was going. Before we started, I had thought I would have a great big epiphany and know exactly what I wanted to do next. But I still have no clue what or where I want to be.

I have so many things I want to do: visit my sister and her three kids in California; race (preferably in West Virginia and Virginia, where I have sponsors and can get free or cheap rent from friends and family); take a transcontinental bike trip across America; bike in New Zealand; Lead tours to exotic places or train for some type of Eco-challenge. The list goes on and on.

I do know I don't want a 9 to 5 job just yet, and I still have plenty of time to figure out my options. Right now, I want to enjoy this adventure.

Read The Great Divide Route; Mountain Biking New Mexico, a description of the route through New Mexico.