Gallup(ing) to Grants

Today's ride took us from Gallup to Grants. Most of the route was on old Route 66, the primary thoroughfare from Chicago to Los Angeles before the advent of the interstate system. We were on the western edge of Gallup so had to navigate through about 8 miles before we were out of Gallup. The city looks to be only a few blocks wide. We only had 11 miles of interstate riding today but it was a harrowing experience for the most part. The staff said it is the worst section to ride on and I believe on. The shoulder was full of chewed up asphalt, sometimes an inch or two deep. You had to pick your spots to ride through the debris. At one point where there was a guardrail with a narrow passage, Tom R and I chose to walk our bikes on the other side of the guardrail. Fred called the experience "uniquely unpleasant." I agree as my shoulders and arms were quite tight from holding so tight.

We left the interstate at mile 30 and hit the continental divide at that point. I had a snack, filled up on fluids and it was off to the races on a gradual descent over the next 38 miles to Grants. It was a tailwind for most of the ride, but as we encountered a small rain squall, the wind hit Hank, Champ, and I from the side. It was knocking us a couple of feet to the left. Fortunately, it was brief and there was no traffic at the time. We stopped at Dairy Queen for lunch at mile 55. Soon another dozen riders joined us there. The tailwind after that was quite strong and I cruised in at 22 mph without trying hard.

Grants' economy has had several evolutions. It started as a railroad town and became an agricultural center when it was known as the carrot capitol of the US in the 1930s. The volcanic soils and creation of a nearby reservoir aided the agricultural boom. The economic focus of the town switched to uranium but that phase ended in the 1980s. Most of the current economy is based on tourism. Mount Taylor is nearby and looks to be a solid recreation area. Like Gallup, the town is several miles long but very narrow.