Grants to Albequerque NM

4 hours 35 minutes to cover the 78.2 miles.

When we went to go for breakfast this morning Barry could not get out the door as it was decorated with birthday paper and streamers as it is his 60th birthday! There were also 2 little elves (Cindy and Pat) patiently waiting to take pictures of the surprise. His breakfast table was also decorated and reserved with birthday decorations.

I was clearly wrong when I said that we had been on the interstate for the last time. We have 2 days left on the interstate and today was one of them.

When we left the hotel we started on State Road 124 which is Route 66. There was a 90 degree turn to go under the interstate which we had to be careful about before stopping at mile 20 at a small store in the middle of nowhere New Mexico. Interesting in that this small store and gas station also had the Piccadilly Circus Pizza place. Not sure how it ever got that name and did not ask. We kept on route 66 until the SAG at the 30 mile mark.

When we left the SAG it was on to I-40 for the next 26 miles. Less than 1/2 mile down the interstate Barry hit a hole or debris but thought he had just knocked his wheel out of "true". My bike started to make funny noises so we limped down the last hill to the second SAG. While I looked for the mechanic to check my bike Barry examined his wheel to find that he had cracked the rim and was lucky the wheel had not exploded. He managed to borrow one of the staff members wheels to finish the day.

Leaving the SAG there was a 5 mile climb but, good news, the road was under construction and we were allowed to ride up the newly surfaced road. A couple of riders missed the directions to do this and as a result road up an 18" shoulder on the interstate. This was extremely dangerous and the Highway Patrol were called. By the time they arrived all of the riders had made it through the construction area but they did talk to the last riders about the dangers.

Once we made it to the top it was all down hill to the hotel. A fun 7 miles with speeds in the 60 - 75 km range. Traffic hectic as we got closer to the hotel and a couple of riders got temporarily lost in more construction detours.

Time for a quick shower before heading to the bike shop. Turns out Barry had to get new wheels and I needed a new rear free wheel hub. An expensive day for Barry's birthday! Finished the night with chocolate birthday cake for Barry and all the riders back at the hotel.