Don and Art’s Great Divide Ride 6/9/2023

Yep! He had to hike his bike over the snow.

Uphill! Both ways! Haha! Sorry, he likes to say that. Tonight a kind couple fed him pizza and Dr. Pepper and let him crash inside on their floor rather than out in the over 11,000 feet elevation of cold!

Don made it to Platoro, CO. This is his report: HARDEST thing I have ever done, last 3 days was 11.25, 13 25 and 12.50 hours of pedaling.
I think he fell asleep mid text. 😞 I’ll post his pictures from the last 3 days in a bit.

And I just talked to Don. He is resting in Abiquiu, getting a much needed shower in a great hotel! Seems like they are a couple days behind which I know concerns him, but after climbing to over 10,000 ft twice in one day, he needs the break.

6/20/2023

Hi Folks! It’s Mary. Sorry I haven’t posted in a couple days. Don and his new gang of riders are still in NM and last night was camping IDK where, but texts were popping in here and there so know he’s ridden 582 miles and says his legs are sooo tired. Most of the messages are pictures, so enjoy his journey.

6/17/23

UPDATE: Techonology is great! We connected-my heart is happy❣️

Don made it to his next stop today. (According to his Strava anyway). He is camping tonight so we may not hear from tonight.

And they’ve landed in Grants! Successful day!!!

For awareness: This is the map of the race route showing pins for the racers who are registered. (Don is not) looks like Northbound riders will meet Southbound riders in Colorado.

Don checked in a bit ago. They are halfway (of 77 miles) to Grants NM. He said it’s a much easier ride today. I hope the road ahead stays smooth for them. They have done sooo many hard climbs up to today. And I hear there is a 113 mile ride ahead, day after tomorrow. 🫣

Don sent some photos today. He is riding with the two in the first picture (I think?) and seems really happy to have found them as they are knowledgeable and have taught him a lot already. They are in Pie Town NM. Not sure exactly where the next stop is but hoping for less sleepless nights of uncertainty as time and the ride moves on. It’s been a learning experience for me too and am doing my best to not be jealous of the beauty I know he is encountering. The stars, the moon, and beautiful America in its purest form.

Don and co. reached the next destination today (somewhere in the middle of no where) early this afternoon, but they didn’t push on to Pie Town because it’s a long hot trek across desert and was recommended they start early. Stay smart my love! 🧡💛❤️

I just heard from Don, after more than 24 hours! (He will owe me for these gray hairs) Art left the ride yesterday morning which is why it was cause for worry, as he was left alone. Anyway true to Don style, he caught up with 5 other riders and is ok, and although still out of pocket cell wise, is moving on. Give me strength! 🚴‍♀️

Well I’ve been trying to get Don Hoskyns to set himself up here but he’s been busy getting his rides down and planning ahead. Anyway, day three was a successful 45 ish miles of climbs to what seems like a beautiful place in Lake Roberts NM where they ended up with a bunch of other riders and swapped experiences.

First pic courtesy of Jeff at the ranch on Friday. The next three are early day three, I surmise. Those photos are Don and Art’s.

Folks! Day two has finally ended. 94.7 miles in over 11 hours! These guys are crazy. Tomorrow brings a 45 mile day. Easy Peasy?

Happy to be able to stop worrying for the day.

Beginning of day 2. Back at the ranch in Hachita! Photo compliments of Jeff Sharp.

Home for two nights at the start. Jeff’s Bike Ranch, Hachita, NM

Hello! I will try my best to make this work for everyone but it’s my first time creating a page, so bear with me. If you want anyone added please invite them or let me know if you cannot. Thanks and enjoy!