Second State Line – New Mexico

May 21, 2019

Second State Line – New Mexico

Second State Line – New Mexico

Tuesday 21^th May, 2019

Day 11

Location: Holbrook, AZ to Gallup, NM

Distance: 94 miles

Temp: 42 - 52 F sunny

Wind: 15 mph in AM, 25-35 mph tailwind in PM

Cumulative climbing distance: 2,861 ft

Today was a contrast amongst beautiful landscapes, quick biking speed on the shoulder of I-40, the continuous traffic noise especially large trucks, and numerous bike mechanical problems.

Riders yesterday and today experienced numerous mechanical issues including 2 broken shift cables, a bike disabled due to missing crank bolt and more than 15 flat tires. The flats result from debris on the freeway shoulder, primarily small wires from steel belted tires. One rider had 4 flat tires today. I had 1 yesterday and 2 today. One flat from a tire wire and the other from a staple. The trip totals are now: Judi 4 flats and Ken 5 flats.

These mechanical issues are exactly why I, at this stage of my life, would only select a fully supported trip for this cross country bike ride. CrossRoads has 2 bicycle mechanics on staff and a complete bike repair shop in the support truck.

Today we crossed our second state line and entered New Mexico. Interesting the landscape also changed from open rolling high desert to hilly eroded rock landscapes.

Today's destination is Gallup, NM and Albuquerque is slowing getting closer.

87 of today's 94 miles were biking on the shoulder of I-40. Biking is permitted because there are no other east-west roads in the area. Basically 1-40 was build on the roadway of US Route 66. Today Route 66 primarily exists as main streets in town and cities, as the freeway is routed around them.