I took a panoramic photo of the Capitan Gap. On the left is West Mountain (elevation 8,778 feet). The Gap is at 5,643 feet. The highest mountain to the right is Summit Peak at 10,201 feet. Click on the image to see a 338K version, or click here to view the large  642K version.

I posed for a few pictures with a steel version of Smokey. This was my typical touring outfit except in hot  weather: Pearl Izumi windbreaker and tight-fitting synthetic pants (called " almost-tights" ). I wore cycling shorts and jersey underneath.

Although it was a little chilly, I posed for another picture without my jacket. On " big" days such as this, my first day in the mountains,  I wore my USA jersey (by Voler).

A little  further west I took a close-up shot of the Capitan Gap.

This was taken looking back atop the last hill before riding into Capitan. US 380 can be seen running diagonal across the center of the picture.

This view was just to the right of the above photo.

Just before I reached Capitan, this mountain caught my eye. Also, notice the depression of a tiny creek on the left.

I made it! Capitan sat at 6,350 feet, nearly 3,000 feet above Roswell.

I took one last look back before I rode into town.