133 miles, 3300 feet of climbing. The climbing was hardly noticeable as we went from 4800 feet in Winslow to 6500 feet in Gallup over the course of the 133 miles. What a wild day! When we left Winslow the winds were at our back at 15 mph. By the time we reached Gallup they were at 37 mph. Wind at our back the entire day for 133 miles makes for quite a ride. However, it was not all fun and games as the winds were gusting and swirling. You had to concentrate and hold on tight to keep from getting blown into the traffic (entire day was spent on I-40). The skies were clear but dusty brown from all of the dust. At the SAG stops you had to make sure your bike was parked in a protected place to keep it from being blown down the road. All of us were covered with dirt and hacking with all of the dust in our lungs.
I was able to average just under 21 mph and was in the saddle for almost 7 hours. Actually, while riding today I thought about that term, “in the saddle”. On a bike you do not really set in the saddle you set on it, but at times it feels as if the seat is in you, if ya know what I mean? That got me to thinking about my brother-in-law Myke Ward. He used to do DALMAC with us. One winter I called him to find out if he was going to do it again and he said, “No. Why would I want to pay good money to spend 4 days with a bicycle seat shoved up my………” Dang I miss him and would love it if he were here to offer his commentary on this trip!!
We had lots of flats again today. I only had 2 and they happened at the same time. The record for the group was 5. The group totaled 34.
It is nice to be in New Mexico, our 3rd state, even though we did lose an hour as we crossed into the Mountain Time zone. I am going to miss that hour of sleep tonite! Tomorrow we have another long, 135 mile ride to Albuquerque, NM. The bonus is that the next day is an off day. Hooray!!
I waited and waited on this corner and..........
She finally slowed down to take a look at me. Just a glimpse of her helped me push on to NM. Thanks for being there for me Rose. You are a friend of mine and have never tried to own me.
The sign in the background was Welcome to New Mexico but there was so much dust in the air you can't make it out.
Sorry I couldn't stop to pick you up again at the corner in Windslow Az. The times they are a changin....I now have responsibilities, bills to pay, people to see, places to go. I had to pull up my big girl pants and take care of business. So glad you are able to be a free spirit once again. Here's to the good ole days!
ReplyDeleteLeisa
average of 21 mph thats damn fast........like the 37 mph wind at your back
ReplyDeleteMy rear end is sore just thinking about sitting on a seat that long. At least you had no flat tires...
ReplyDeleteLeon