DAY 8 SAMMYRIDES DEMING, NEW MEXICO

Today started out with a slight problem.....Michael had a flat tire even before his bike left our hotel room.  Adolf to the rescue.....twice!!!  Michael had not one, but two flat tires, most likely from riding the day before where the shoulder of the road was covered with small pebbles and lots of broken glass.  However, Adolf was able to patiently put a new tire and tube on Michael's bike and soon we loaded up the car to head to Deming, New Mexico.  I 10 is a highway with lots of trucks and whizzing cars, but the three riders were determined not to let this deter them from making the long ride to Deming.  The weather was perfect for riding....cool with a good breeze.  The reporter from the Deming newspaper was to meet us at the hotel to interview the riders for yet another article about our arrival.   For myself, I was able to drive ahead of the riders on the highway and wait at various places for them to meet up with the van....once I knew they were ok (and no more flat tires!),  I drove a few more miles up the road to once again wait for them to reach me.  
We arrived safe and sound at the Best Western where the reporter soon met with the riders.  
A few hours of rest and we were off to the First United Methodist Church in Deming for their Ash Wednesday service.  After the service, there was a wonderful meet and greet in the social hall where we got a chance to speak with so many lovely people and tell them about SammyRides.  It was truly a delightful eve. and we want to thank Pastor Ernest Vineyard and staff for providing such an enjoyable eve for the four of us.  Their generosity and warm hospitality was greatly appreciated and we felt greatly welcomed by everyone we met.  We also received beautiful cards the children made, that will be distributed tomorrow during our visit at the children's hospital in Las Cruces, New Mexico.  
Tomorrow morning we are meeting up with several local residents at the Chamber of Commerce who plan to ride a few miles with us on our way to Las Cruces.  

P.S.  Every long distance bike ride has a few unexpected twists and turns.  Today, as Mike Brown, Adolf and Michael were riding to Deming, it became obvious to Adolf, who was riding in back of Michael, that Michael was struggling.  Over a distance of 8 miles, Adolf could hear Michael gasping for breath.  Michael simply could not accelerate fast enough to keep up with the others.  Adolf was puzzled because Michael had ridden so well that morning.  After almost passing out, Michael pulled to the side of the road, exhausted, and begged Adolf to check out his bike.  When Adolf spun the front wheel, nothing happened!!  The front brake cable had become loose and the brake pad was fixed tight against the rim of the wheel.  After rolling with laughter, and fixing the brake pad, the ride continued without any additional problems!  Michael's leg muscles are bulging.  
From Michael, Adolf, Mike Brown and myself, we send our love and best wishes to you all....Lois