Mimbres NM

 Just 26 miles today, short climbing day up to the Santa Rita open pit copper mine. Ore dug here is only 0.6% copper, so a lot of ore needed to extract metal.


This mine became infamous due to a 1951-1952 strike by the primarily Mexican American miners. After a court injunction prevented the union members from striking, the women's auxilary took over the strike functions. The famous documentary Salt of the Earth was about this strike.



Then fast downhill to another RV park, next to road likely to be noisy on a Friday night, scarce shade but at least it isn't too hot. Meanwhile Matt had a flat in his "tubeless" tire, and the fix didn't hold so needed a lift to camp for yet another session on the bike stand.

 
Tomorrow we climb up Emery Pass, 8,228 ft. and another short day, just 38 miles. Gaining weight on this trip: cookies, candy, beer. Our camp tonight (elevation about 5,300 ft), featuring my new green tent next to my bike.




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