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Taos, New Mexico

Is all this garbage the work of a cloven beast? Could it be... Satan?!? Ha! I think Saturday Night Live's Church Lady would be having one heck of a field day here today.

Back on the bike again I ride to where the trail intersects Route-518.

Now that's really effective as we've seen on my travels so far. Must be the perpetrators are illiterate?

Time to retrace my route back to the trailhead. I could take the road back to the van but that'd be cheating. Plus, I had so much fun on the way here, how could I do otherwise? Yup, just having a grand old time here. I suspect this bike ride may very well be the most brilliant highlight of my trip. Yes folks, it doesn't get any better than this. Please try not to be too envious.

Riding back produces only one rewarding sight, the much awaited and anticipated glimpse of my van.

In just a little while the torture will be over. The trail continues to torment me, spanking me with the same scenery over and over again.

Having reached the short descent that'll lead me to the trailhead, and more importantly, to the road across which the van is located, I make haste downward and much to my delight I pass by a few lichen-spackled rocks. Just incredible! Absolutely spectacular!