Just the stats: 76 miles, 15.1 MPH average, 2,549 feet climbed, 3,858 descent cumulative 861 miles. NO FLATS AGAIN TODAY!! so, seven in total. Sunny, 34 to 76 degrees.
The 76 miles from Grants to Albuquerque was a great ride except for 6 miles along interstate I-40 E which were absolutely terrifying. I'll get to that in a second.
It was another cold start today (34 degrees), so on with the warm clothing again. It was a beautiful, sunny day though, and the first 30 miles were on a spectacular section of Route 66. We cycled through lava fields(check out the picture), mesas, and rolling country. I still get God-bumps (they are goose-bumps but better) as I ride and realize how blessed I am and how awesome this country is.
Now the scary part: After the first SAG stop 30 miles into the ride, we entered I-40 and I soon found myself in an 6 mile section of road construction. hey had the road blocked down to one lane in either direction, except the lane was way over on the shoulder of the road. So semi trucks were screaming by me within about 18", I was riding on about 1 to 2 ft shoulder area in this construction zone. Semis whizzed by within about an arm's reach! (check out the picture) I was riding alone at this time (well not really) and just pedalled as carefully as I could. The very edge of the road was broken and rough, which made it doubly treacherous. Talk about prayer, I was fully engaged with the Holy Spirit asking Him to guide me through. All the cyclists agreed that was the most terrifying cycling experience they had ever had A number of the cyclists got off there bikes and waited for the support to ferry them past the construction.
Whew - glad to get that over with.
The majority of the ride was along the old Route 66 which is now just a secondary road used by locals. At one point there was this really vicious looking mogul dog (not really so mean looking - but it makes for a good story) he chased many of the cyclists. Jerry who is 80 years old hit the dog (what do you expect from a geezer)and was knocked down. He has a really nasty looking gash on one arm and some road rash on one knee.
The rest of the day was wonderful, with rolling hills, a long 5-mile climb. Once you get to the top, the view is stunning and now you are ready to go down "9 mile hill". It is a absolutely perfectly straight road with great shoulders straight into Albuquerque.
Tomorrow is a big climbing day into Santa Fe, NM.
Thanks for visiting my blog and thanks for the great comments. I really enjoy reading what you have to say. If you haven't figured it out just press the word comments and leave a message.
This is a fun trip but I do miss my life back home. I especially miss Yvonne, Jen and Todd, my church family, and the guys on the inside.
Here is my Garmin data:http://trail.motionbased.com/trail/activity/2819966
Don't forget to check out this riders blog, it is a good one: http://sorebutt.blogspot.com/
4 comments:
Hey Tom:
I have been reading with real interest your accounts of the days and the pictures. Really beautiful. As I read I can almost hear your voice telling the story, your impassioned faith in the Holy One and for Him to protect you. We pray for you each day, Lesa, Sean, Rob and me.
I will definately say hello to Steve next Wednesday and encourge him to read this, if he is not already.
Until next time...Larry
This is a test.
Hi Tom,
Thanks for sending me the blog address so I could read and view your trip. It is really interesting. I love the pictures (yours and the other fellows). We are missing you at church also, but your trip is soooo interesting. I'm not sure how I got to this page to leave you a note, but had been wondering if I could write to you. What is Gamin ? or Garmin data? continue to have fun. Marcy
Watch out for stray dogs and don't ever bike again when the semis are within arms reach of you! Love, your daughter
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