Day 12 Grants to Albuquerque NM

Today all the planets aligned for us.  Thanks all of you who sent good cycling vibes this way.  They made it!  We had smooth roads, smooth shoulders, slightly overcast skies, moderate temperatures, and a constant moderate quartering tailwind push that made our day a breeze all the way to Albuquerque.  Even the few long highway hills we encountered seemed small because of the wind and smooth surface.

7am start.  Smooth roads and cool enough for a light windbreaker.

Within 6 miles we were back on a segment of Route 66 (SR124E).  Again, the little jewels of days gone by seemed dusty, neglected, and/or unappreciated, but the their beauty was still there if you were open to seeing it.

Old lava fields on both sides of the road reminded me of Hawaii's Big Island.

Old lava flow and "burnt brownie" appearance.

Well, I knew I was headed this way, but I just didn't think I'd arrive so soon.
Or that it would be in New Mexico.

At Mile 20, Chuck and I stopped for refreshment at a little store in Villa de Cubero (Laguna Acoma Indian territory).  While talking to the locals and proprietor, we learned Ernest Hemingway once stayed in one of the small rooms behind the store.  After showing us a framed publication from Route 66 Magazine in the main office describing "Papa"'s stay, we were tempted to ask to see the actual room, but decided we needed to push on since we were taking photos, riding casually, and basically sucking hind teat today.

Gas station and store in Villa de Cubero.

First page of the article describing Ernest Hemingway's stay in a little room behind the store.

This has ClusterChuck written all over it.

Me?  Not so brave.

We reached our first SAG stop at Mile 30.  While there, a young man got out of his car wearing green Michigan State University clothing.  I looked at him and raised my arms.  He immediately shouted "Go Green", so I shouted "Go White".  Now that confused him because I was wearing the maize and blue jersey of the University of Michigan, MSU's arch in-state rival, and so he expected me to shout "Go Blue" in defiance.  I then told him I have degrees from both schools and that I live in Ann Arbor.  We laughed and took time out for a photo op.  His name is Casey, he grew up near Chicago, and majored in Broadcasting at Michigan State.

We're supposed to be arch rivals.....

......but does anyone really care about that boolah-boolah crap?
(Thanks Randy!)

Following our SAG stop at Mile 30, we entered I-40E.  Unlike other days, this section of I-40E appeared relatively new and clean, with only limited debris.  

So with a gentle wind at our back, we made quick work of this 26-mile section and entered the second SAG stop at Mile 56.  We didn't spend much time here in part because we were still bringing up the rear.  We also didn't want to eat much because the toughest part of the ride today -- a long 5-mile highway climb along I-40E -- would start immediately upon exiting the SAG stop.

Looking back on the 5-mile climb.
(Thanks Chuck!)

After the climb, we exited I-40E and soon began a 5-mile rapid descent along a two-lane road into downtown Albuquerque.  A couple of our riders reportedly exceeded 50 mph during this segment.  

Once into Albuquerque and now traveling at less than 30 mph, we came upon the Route 66 bridge over the Rio Grande.

Rio Grande

Unfortunately, it was a day of sadness for our group as we say goodbye to Tom from North Carolina and Michelle from Connecticut.  Tom was one of the main engines of the "A" group and a great guy with whom to ride or talk.  His plan all along was to do just the first segment of our cross country tour.  Michelle had acute pain in her knee from early in the first week.  When she could ride, it was easy to see that she was well-trained and very strong.  Unfortunately, she was hobbled early, has tried to ride on many occasions, but could not escape the debilitating acute pain on pedaling.  When she couldn't ride, she unselfishly busied herself by assisting the CrossRoads staff support us on the road.  Michelle will return home for some focused treatment and rest, and we all hope she can rejoin our group as soon as possible.  Best wishes to Tom and Michelle.  We'll miss them.

Day 12 Google Earth image and Elevation Profile
Grants to Albuquerque, NM

We're off to Santa Fe next.  Then our second well-deserved rest day!