Day 20. Moriarity to Santa Rosa NM. 85 miles

 Today was very hilly.  Combining that with brutal winds made for an exhausting day.  I did get to  see a mule deer and a big black tarantula.

Day 19. Albuquerque to Moriarity NM 46 miles 7200' ele.

How high are you?  That is the question we posed to our waiter in Williams, AZ.  Kirk and Cindy continued to ask him the same question on each trip to our table.  He could NOT answer that question....he maintained a perplexed smirk on his face.  The answer was: 6768' on Route 66.  Today, Beth has crossed the last 7000' elevation of this trip with a 2500' ascension out of Albuquerque.  She was high!

It was a long climb today! I started in the dark and the sight of Albuquerque lit up in the valley was spectacular.  After winding through the city, I decided to stop at McDonalds to make sure I was headed in the right direction.  After ordering my chocolate milk, I asked if I was going the right way. I got my answer and headed to a table. I had just sat down when a gentleman joined me saying he had heard me and was a biker also. He looked over my route and thought it was good, just on busy streets. We talked over breakfast and then wished each other well and headed out. I had walked my bike to the corner and was waiting for the light when I heard, "Do you want to follow me?"  My answer was "YES"  and  off Phil and I went. He led me through all the busy streets and to the beginning of Route 66 where we parted once more. What a great help! After that it was uphill most of the day. The motel was a welcome sight.

Day 18 Day Off. Following the Santa Fe Trail

"Follow the Santa Fe Trail"  This required a trip 1 hour North from Alberquerque to a beautiful community nestled in the mountains, steeped in history.  Pictures here are from the oldest church in the United States, San Miguel Chapel  date to 1628.  Other beautiful churches exist, that date back to their Spanish/Mexican ancestors that are well preserved in the adobe style architecture.  Canyon Road is a collection of art galleries as far as the eye can see.  Take cash keep your Ccards tucked away.  In one of these pictures you can see the blogmaster has become the "wagonmaster". Something unusual happened for the first time in 4 weeks, I used the windshield wipers.  Left Santa Fe 70 degrees, up the hill in rain, over the hill snow and 48 degrees (see picture) , drive to Alberquerque 91 degrees....all in a hour.  2 New challenges:  #1... Did Beth receive the message "you will get scalped" from the tribe councilman yesterday?  A) Yes. -Or-  B)  No......# 2.... Is the picture enclosed show snow on the road in 48 degree weather?...A)  Yes. -or-  B). No

Day 17. Grants to Alberquerque NM. 89 miles

Another pretty day. I was excited early this morning when I woke up an elk. He was sleeping right next to the road in a clump of bushes. He jumped up, snorted and took off.

My route took me through an Indian reservation. Realizing it a couple of miles down the road when I was directed to a dirt road in a no trespassing area, I stopped to redirect. Seeing a man across the road I decided to ask him for help. He was very nice and told me how to get to Alberquerque. His last words of wisdom were to stay on the paved road or I would be scalped. Larry later got to talk to him when he was waiting for me. He was a caretaker for the Pueblo reservation and a member of their council who works with the governor.

I stopped at a gas station and got a little spooked when this kid kept peeking around a container at me. I decided it would be a good idea to lock up my bike. As another guy came out, they both broke into smiles - bikers on their way to Los Angeles from Dallas. Got the route rundown from Kyle and Floyd and headed on  my way.

One more deadend, and then into Alberquerque. It seems to be a busy, fairly large town. It is the home of the University of New Mexico.

Day 16. Gallup to Grants NM. 65 miles. 7300' ele.

An uneventful day. Even though it was the desert, it was very cold when I left (the 40's - 90 degrees this afternoon). I did  get lost for a little bit early in the morning, but found a busy street that worked just fine. We crossed the continental divide later in the morning. The red sandstone mountains were very pretty.

Two Things About Hills
   1) They always look worse from the distance. Don't worry until you start to climb them.
   2)  They usually have two sides - take the challenge of the first and push yourself to the top and
        then enjoy the way down.

Day 15. Chambers to Gallup NM. 46 miles

"America the Beautiful" - that is the song that kept replaying in my head today. About 20 miles into my ride, I was surrounded by the most incredibly beautiful scenery.  Even the desert floor was magnificent. Some areas looked as if they had been landscaped. It was nice seeing animals along the way today. There were horses, cattle and sheep . One group of sheep happened to be on the same road as I was. We chatted a bit and then they jumped a fence and were on their way.

About 8 miles into my ride with the wind in my face and too much time to reflect, I thought how much nicer it would be to turn around for an easier ride, but just think of the beauty I would have missed. Life can be like that. Sometimes it pays to head into the unknown, give it your all and appreciate that you can. The past will always be there  as a guide.

Enjoy your upcoming week.

Arizona Ramblings

As we start our third week on the biking adventure entering our third state.....a few words in review
THE RIDE
Beth seems to be more energized as the ride ascends into a higher altitude.  Maybe that clean air they all brag about out here is the answer.  I would think with a deep chest cold, reduced oxygen, and some steep climbs she would be looking to rest a little more.  Very focused, very determined....when the road ends just climb the fence, and jump on another one...wake up at 4 AM jump on that bike and pedal for 10 to 12 hours.  Ask yourself...how many of you are working 12 hour days in the outside elements without a day off?
THE WEATHER
I know the Midwest has had it's share of excessive storms,tornados, and rain.  People are suffering because of it.  We have been truly blessed with GREAT weather  thus far...gr8 planning? And good fortune.
ROUTE 66
If you're in to nostalgia and the 50's, 60's this is for you.  I especially enjoy eating old style home cooked food at these old diners.....from Needles, to Kingman, to Williams, to Flagstaff, to Winslow.......Miz Zip's, The Wagon Wheel...the Harley's from Uruguay, from Mexico, from all over the U.S.......now the reality...this is an era that is gone, and many of the people that are reliving it are aging....just like the towns, motels, and services that made/make their living off of it. This was before cell phones, I-pads, Internet, computers, cable TV, electronic games.  Time has passed many of these towns by, just like Interstate 40 does.  The next generation will not stop or take their time to see America and get "their kicks, on Route 66"
NATURAL BEAUTY
Northern Arizona is a beautiful place.....the 3000 foot climb out of Laughlin Nev. starts it off...the Grand Canyon is truly God's Creation and it is absolutely breath taking....The San Francisco Peak outside Flagstaff is majestic and has snow on it on June 1st!.... The petrified forest and painted desert outside Holbrook is a must see and stunning in every way.