Brother Mark posted on our Facebook page for this day:
Day 4: NM-TX-OK Route 66 Trek
Crossing the Rio Grande
Woke up to a "soft" front tire this AM. This is not unexpected after riding 14 miles on the Interstate yesterday. Tiny wires from pieces of tires are strewn over the shoulder (see photo below).
A quick tube change and we were on our way. (Flat Score: Kent-1, Mark-1).
A quick tube change and we were on our way. (Flat Score: Kent-1, Mark-1).
Route 66 Casino Hotel, where we stayed last night, is located on the Rio Puerco River. So our first 5 miles (8 km) this morning was a long, grueling climb to a hill called "Lost Horizon."
[This "climb" up the Lost Horizon represents the eastern boundary of the Colorado Plateau, a major geological/ecological feature defining the nature of much of the Southwestern USA].
But soon after that we coasted ["Flew" might be a better word!] down to the Rio Grande and Downtown Albuquerque on Route 66.
[This "climb" up the Lost Horizon represents the eastern boundary of the Colorado Plateau, a major geological/ecological feature defining the nature of much of the Southwestern USA].
But soon after that we coasted ["Flew" might be a better word!] down to the Rio Grande and Downtown Albuquerque on Route 66.
We figured out today we rode perpendicular through the Monarch butterfly migration going north! \
At times we saw many of them crossing our path in flight, and found way too many that didn't make, and were now laying motionless on the road.
At times we saw many of them crossing our path in flight, and found way too many that didn't make, and were now laying motionless on the road.
Even though much of 66 through Albuquerque has been modernized, there are some very distinct New Mexican remnants of the Mother Road to be enjoyed.
Recent good friends and cycling buddies (Thanks, Steve Doyle!), Susan and Dan Kutvirt, live just a couple of miles off Route 66, and Dan cooked us lunch. [I believe in his spare time Dan operates a first class pasta factory supplying many retailers of fine food.]
After a great (but too short) visit with Susan and Dan, Dan led us back to Route 66 via a paved bike trail. It gave us a welcome relief from traffic!
After a great (but too short) visit with Susan and Dan, Dan led us back to Route 66 via a paved bike trail. It gave us a welcome relief from traffic!
Our 42 mile day ended at the Coronado Campground, run by the City of Bernalillo.
Our camping shelter overlooks the Rio Grande in the shadow of the Sandia Mountains. Quite idyllic!
Our camping shelter overlooks the Rio Grande in the shadow of the Sandia Mountains. Quite idyllic!
Tomorrow we climb over 2,000 ft to Santa Fe. Hoping for an early start.
Shortly after departing our plush hotel, we find this preserved bridge beckoning back to the "real" days of Route 66 travel.
About five minutes past the bridge, Bro Mark goes flat.
Doesn't take long to fix. He's incredibly well practiced and very skilled at this procedure.
Our 5 mile (8 km) climb to the edge of Albuquerque provides a great morning cardio workout.
I pause at the top of the hill descending into the city.
In a few yards (meters) the downhill grade increases dramatically.
I use my brake to slow things down as my very heavily loaded bike begins wobbling and shaking like an unevenly loaded washing machine.
We enjoy a wonderful lunch with Susan and Dan.
Wish we could have visit much longer, but the sun keeps moving even when we don't.
Dan, a cycling enthusiast himself, personally guides us north out of the city on a few miles (km) of the very impressive 400 miles (650 km) of bike paths and trails created by the city.
I'm guessing Albuquerque nears the top of US cities for designated bike routes proportional to population; "only" 500,000 people call Albuquerque their home!
Our path follows along the edge of the iconic Rio Grande River as it weaves its way south through the city.
We reconnect with Route 66 heading north out of the city.
A few hours later, we reach our well maintained city campground near Bernalilllo.
We deposit our heavy loads in our concrete camp structure and deal with the first and most important matter - Refueling.
Heaven smiled down on us and provided an iHop (International House of Pancakes) Restaurant.
They serve much more than just pancakes.
Notice in photo we eat dessert first. Cool people do so, and Brother Mark couldn't be more cool than he presents in this photo :-)
Back at the campground we shower and enjoy the view from our campsite.
As daylight diminishes, we erect our shelters.
We hope to rest well tonight. Tomorrow we do some serious climbing. The first of several days of serious climbing.
We must cross over the Sangre de Christo ("Blood of Christ") Mountains, inaccurately, in my opinion, referred to as the "foothills" of the Rocky Mountains.
Tomorrow two cyclists will discover there's nothing "foothill-ish" about them!
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