When I (LaVern) envisioned this trip, I was hoping for at least one day when the roads would be fairly flat and the winds would be favorable. Well, today was one of those days. Only 69 miles, minimal climbing and a nice tailwind. In addition, the weather was sunny and cool, perfect for riding.
We rode on I-40 for only 11 miles today but it was the worst part of the ride. We walked our bikes through a construction zone and picked up plenty of tar. The berm for nearly all of the Interstate was full of stones and junk. We had a flat tire this morning before we started but avoided any further flats even with all of the junk. If anyone is counting, we have had two flats on the road and three flats before leaving in the morning.
After exiting I-40, the rest of the ride was on historic Route 66. We crossed the Continental Divide at an elevation of 7275 feet. The beautiful rock formations provided great views most of the day. We stopped at a Dairy Queen with several other riders for an ice cream cone (Janie) and a chocolate shake (La
Vern).
Vern). We are staying in Grants, NM for the night. It began as a railroad camp, then became a logging town, for a while was the carrot capital of the US and between 1950 through the 1980's got a boost when uranium was discovered. We see and hear a lot of trains. One day Janie counted a train with six engines and 152 cars.
Our legs seem to be getting stronger. At least our quads don't hurt as much as they did. Tomorrow we have a longer ride to Albuquerque.
Is it not nice you can eat as much as you want and not feel guilty as you burn off all of those calories.
ReplyDeleteA nice little diversion in Albuquerque to follow the signs for "Old Town"...and there is a great little Mexican restaurant right behind the old cathedral - can eat on the patio and keep an eye on your bike. Bob
ReplyDeleteThanks for letting us ride along with you the easy way!! The pictures are beautiful..especially the ones of you two!!!
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