Cycling the Continental Divide: A Family’s Journey Through Hachita, New Mexico

“Super Mom” Stephanie with her bikes.

Author: Dave Nevins, Tourism Coordinator

Curiosity nudged this writer/photographer to journey the 100 miles from Douglas, Arizona to Hachita, New Mexico. I am curious about exploring new areas and wild adventures. As I arrived in Hachita, I had crossed into the new territory scene but I highly doubted that any ‘wild’ adventure would be captured, at least on my camera. The Continental Divide Trail (CDT) begins in Canada and ends at the Mexico border after roughly following the spine of the Rocky Mountains. The terrain is challenging and remote. Hachita is my introduction to the CDT.

95° greeted me as I swung open the door of the Hachita Food Mart. I knew the chance of catching any cyclists on this heat-infused day was slim. Five minutes later Stephanie and Annsley strolled in. Outside waited Jagger. Super mom, Stephanie had left the Canada/U.S. border on mountain bikes, with four children, all fourteen years old or younger! Wyoming saw seven-year-old Elon, break his arm. I did not get the story, but, fourteen-year-old son did not finish the 3,100-mile trek.

Despite the challenges, extreme heat, fatigue and negotiating having up to four children on a major bicycle expedition, Stephanie was all smiles. A bundle of positiveness that was intense and contagious.

Day 65, location: Hachita, New Mexico – The group is not sure whether they will pedal the remaining 45 miles to Antelope Wells and the Mexican border on this day or the next. Husband/Father John is zooming south, in the family vehicle, to meet the family at the border before they do a 180 rotation to head north, back to Kalispell, Montana, where they will likely discuss their next ‘dirt’ vacation.

Pedaling away!