Day 24 Middle of nowhere, New Mexico

Stats
Daily mileage 43.6 Ride time 3hr 34min
Avg speed 12.17 mph Total mileage 1473

I decided that I would take today at a very pleasurable pace and enjoy it as much as I could. I had a lay in and went for my continental breakfast. I also decided I would challenge myself to see how long I could make 100 dollars last. That was my excuse to eat and drink as much as possible at breakfast. I got talking to a local about aliens and UFOs and was gob smacked at how much of a believer he is. It was amusing at first but then he wouldn’t stop talking and after about 20 minutes I had to get out of there. I tried standing up but that didn’t phase him so I had to say something to shut him up and leave. “I have such terrible trots this morning, I must dash to the toilet”, I said. It worked so well!
I packed up the bike and headed towards the UFO museum. It had to be done despite being so tacky. It was so cheesy but fascinating reading about the military cover up of the Roswell landing in 1947.

I spoke to some locals and confirmed my route of out town and they stated there is no where to get water for the next 80 miles. With this in mind I took an extra bottle and decided I would camp at a rest stop some 40 miles away. I figured, other cars would also stop there so I can ask them for water.

The road was straight and went on forever. I climbed over a hill and at the top I swear you could actually see the curvature of the earth. My mind was elsewhere all day and it wasn’t until I stopped I felt the pain in my ankle was back. I raised my seat this morning so I lowered it again. Hopefully that will ease the pressure tomorrow.

I got to the rest stop very early so I sat in the sunshine and read my book. As I hoped, there were plenty of people stopping so I was able to keep my water supply topped up. I left it to the last minute to erect my tent and then I sat there, eating my spaghetti watching a beautiful sunset.

I am camping about 20m from the road in a rest area which is not the safest place to be. I fear it will be a very restless nights sleep. Totally spent today: 9 bucks