Expect The Unexpected

We’re now in New Mexico. When we woke up on Tuesday morning in Holbrook AZ, we were looking forward to an easy 90 mile ride to Gallup NM. Our tour operator told us to expect about 2,700 feet of climbing with rolling hills. We were starting at about 5,000 feet altitude and would be ending at the same height. Our first SAG stop (Support And Gear) was going to be about 30 miles out. Most all of today’s ride was on I-40. When we were about 10 miles out, our support truck was parked off on the shoulder signaling the riders to pull over. We were advised that the next several miles were under construction with two lanes and NO SHOULDER for cyclists. There was a new lane parallel to I-40 that was finished except for two bridge areas. So our tour leader, Tracy, made arrangements with the construction superintendent to allow the 22 of us to ride on the new lane and to walk our bikes in the bridge areas.

Step #1 was to carry our bikes from I-40 over to the new lane.

GOING FROM I-40 TO THE NEW LANE

Then we had to wait to get the go-ahead from the construction superintendent so that we weren’t riding or walking into their vehicles.

WAITING FOR THE GO AHEAD

After riding about a mile, we had about a block walk in the sand. Then, after another mile ride, we repeated the walk in the sandy bridge area under construction.

THIS WAS NOT FUN WALKING IN BIKE SHOES IN THE SAND

To say it was a dirty event is an understatement…

DIRTY BODIES, CLOTHES AND SHOES

NOTE THE CONSTRUCTION IN THE BACKGROUND

Finally we were back on the highway heading to Gallup. We had been on the road for 3 hours and had only gone 16 miles. Then, at about mile 40 our streak ended — One of the Baums (Ed) got their first flat tire.

ASSISTANCE TO THE RESCUE

FIXING THE FLAT

Now that the flat was handled, we were off to NM.

The flat plains were now interspersed with mesas and great rock formations. Tomorrow is a short day to Grants NM, only 67 miles and less climb. Lets call Wednesday the day of no surprises !!