Gallup NM to Grants new Mexico

4 hours 9 minutes in the saddle to cover the 68.33 miles.

We got to sleep in an hour today even though we finally changed to Mountain Daylight time as Arizona doesn't change. The first 19 miles were on route 66 with some fabulous views of Red Rocks State Park as the sun was shining on them. At the 19 mile mark we had to get back on the interstate highway. At the briefing they actually warned us that the shoulder would be quite bad unless they had fixed It since last year! They hadn't and it was terrible to ride on. Between the debris and condition of the road we were lucky to average 10 mph. After we had been on for just a mile, one of the group had a flat. He had a real tough time trying to fix it even though there was lots of help. After 30 minutes Barry and I left as you could not ride together anyway.

The only SAG of the day was at the Continental Divide, elevation 7,275 feet. When we left there we continued on route 66 and had some nice down hill with a tailwind for 20 miles so we made great time. Unfortunately all good things must come to an end and the road turned so we had to fight a headwind and crosswind at times for the remaining 18 miles.

Although we were hungry we passed the 2 Dairy Queens on the route and found a Subway right across the street from the hotel. Only one rider had managed to get to the hotel before us. All and all a good day! Some extra rest at the start and time for a nap before dinner.