Gallup to Grants, NM

It was cold this morning when we left Gallup for Grants.  Since this was a “short” day, only 65 miles, we left the hotel two hours later than usual.  The one and only SAG stop was at the Western Continental Divide.  The Continental Divide marks the place where rivers either run to the Pacific Ocean or towards the Mississippi.  (There’s also an Eastern Continental Divide.)

The road climbs about 1,000 feet up to the Continental Divide from Gallup and then falls about 1,000 feet to Grants.  None of the grades was very steep and we had helping winds until the road turned south as it neared Grants.  It remained cool all day under beautiful, partly cloudy skies.

The towns we have been traveling through were established in support of the railroad.  We could hear the mournful sound of the train whistles in the night.  By the way, Grants is named for the three Grant brothers who settled here.

A large portion of today’s ride was on old route 66 which parallels I-40.  Unfortunately, we did have to get on the interstate for a short while and suffer from what has to be the worst shoulder possible.  It was bad in 2009 and is even worse now.  I’m sending the Governor of New Mexico a letter!  I think I rode the next ten miles on adrenaline alone.  I did not like this part of the ride.

The other disappointment of the day was the Dairy Queen at mile 60 was closed and boarded up.  Luckily there was a burger stand a mile or so down the road and I was able to get my milk shake reward before continuing on to the motel.

3:56; 66 miles; 1,101' climb; 3,491 Calories

Last night at dinner, we were talking about how much weight various people had in their two CrossRoads bags.  I pointed out that I had saved a lot of weight by bringing Crocs instead of sneakers.  Howard said, “Look at that; he drilled holes to make them even lighter!”  Very funny, Howard.

ROGUES GALLERY

Mike R

Dan K

Howard

Willie

Dennis

Brian

Heinz

Mary

Howard (CR staff)

Chris