September 1 - Sidney, SD to Raton, New Mexico - 365 Miles

Almost home.  Raton is just 230 miles from home, and I thought about keeping going until I hit home, but that would have made a 600-mile day, and that's too far.

Today's ride was not spectacular at all, rather the opposite.  I took roads going south in the eastern plains of Colorado, and other than very large fields which are not as productive as the ones farther north, the route is almost featureless.  There are no rolling hills, no green trees, and it is very flat.  I had ridden the eastern-most roads in Colorado the last time I came from the north, and thought that the scenery on the second eastern-most roads might be better.  No such luck; the scenery was still pretty dull.  Next time I'll come down the center of Colorado, which I know is beautiful.

Since today is Labor Day, I had to be careful not to run low on gas out in the middle of nowhere.  Most of the gas stations in the small towns were closed, and all of the restaurants were closed.  Fortunately I had thought to bring along some breakfast bars and a bottle of water, which sufficed for lunch.

Raton is a nice little northern New Mexico town, and I had to have New Mexico style Mexican food for dinner.  I've gone three weeks without my share of green chili.

As I rode through Raton downtown older housing on my way to supper, I noticed several homes that were very nicely restored to their turn of the century to 1930's style and colors.  This one was my favorite.

On that note, tomorrow will be a quick run for home.

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