Happy Monday morning from Eagar, AZ.
"Stop worrying about the potholes in the road and celebrate the journey" Fitzhugh Mullan
I believe Fitzhugh would have enjoyed yesterday's ride into AZ. Our road conditions were near perfect with limited traffic and outstanding vistas. Other than multiple flat tires, we had a great day of bicycling.
Let's step back to Saturday and talk about how windy the west can be.
Our big adventure on Saturday was visiting the Very Large Array (VLA) located in the middle of the Augustin Plain surrounded by mountains. This of course is the site made noteworthy by Jodie Foster's movie, Contact. (1996) Despite thirty mile per hour winds (in the wrong direction), we took the four mile ride off of our route to the Visitors Center.
Having gained my first Amateur Radio License in 1966 (WN8WDG), and later upgrading to a General Class License in the late 1970's (N0AJV), I have always been fascinated by radio.
After visiting the VLA, I have even more respect for the research that defines this facility.
Just watching the stars last night reminded me of how incredible our universe is and how we have so much to learn about what all this means. If you ever find yourself on US Route 60 take the time and visit this interesting facility.
Now, let's talk about how windy NM can be. All day Saturday, we struggled with mega winds that pushed at you from all the wrong directions. Add in a few flats and we faced the possibility of really falling behind schedule. As it turned dark we were setting up camp in Datil, NM.
Hey, this was a really special campsite. It was a US Park Service campground. Minimal services but quite beautiful. The fresh aroma of pine and pinon added to our outdoor experience.
I think camping is starting to grow on me.
Sunday morning arrived and we hit the road early (about 7:15am). This day had the makings of a perfect situation. Our weather was ideal and we started to count the miles of progress.
Then, we experienced flat after flat. How could this happen to two nice guys?
About 11:00 am, we reached Pie Town and stopped for a ninety minute lunch. Kathy's Pie Town Restaurant is a must stop on this route. By the way, this part of US 60 is noted for being the "Hoof Highway", since cattle started walking about 120 miles to the closest railroad in the late 1880's. Today, the cattle move by truck. Lot's of great history is here for your study and enjoyment.
Despite great riding conditions we continued to fall further behind. These flats were taking a toll and we just couldn't put ten miles down without one of the bikes going flat.
George even experienced a blowout on his rear tire that startled me. I didn't realize a bicycle tire could be that loud as 110 lbs of air pressure escaped in 1 second.
We kept riding and eventually started to make some forward progress.
With no other vehicle traffic and ideal weather we decided to continue riding after dark.
Wow, that was quite an experience being in the middle of nowhere, and bicycling at night.
You should know that our bikes were well lighted and we even used our hiking LED headlamps as supplemental lighting.
We crossed into AZ and used our bike lighting to take a photo of the Welcome to AZ sign.
I have to comment about the magnificent nighttime Arizona sky, and how you see more stars than you have ever seen in your lifetime. The Milky Way lighting the sky provided an umbrella of amazing beauty. Seeing the stars added a special dimension to the spirituality of the trip.
God has created one incredible universe.
Arriving in Springerville about 9:30 pm we were pleased to see a friendly motel. It was a quick trip to deep sleep after pedaling 92 miles that day.
This morning we were greeted with overcast skies and a light rain falling.
Our first stop was Basha's to check out their store and look for our outstanding Lunds & Byerly's PL products. Sure enough this store had product, and we took time to have breakfast and chat with store staff. Thanks Vinnie for helping us feel at home. Your store looks clean and tidy.
Then it was a much needed stop at The Sweat Shop, Ski and Bicycle Shop, for some much needed tire repairs. Jay Adams, proprietor, started working on my bicycle and within a half hour everything was shipshape and ready to go. Great service and friendly words of encouragement made this a perfect stop. Thanks Jay, for once again ensuring my bike is road ready. (The western states have this little nasty plant called a "goats head" and it is a killer on bicycle tires. You can't believe how many flats happen just because of this plant.)
Now, we are typing at the Eagar Public Library. Carol, Toni, Vimala, and Susan staff this excellent operation. Thanks to all of you for allowing me to use this computer.
We are ready to head west into a forest area that should take us to Show Lo, AZ.
Right now we are probably about forty miles behind plan, but expect to make it up by Wednesday.
Enjoy your day!
PS: I still have many photos from early in the trip to post. They will appear sooner or later.
Thanks to all for your words of encouragement, and keep those wonderful comments coming.
October 12, 2007---Huntington Beach Arrival
Reaching the Pacific Ocean after 42 days on the bicycle
Route Overview
Minneapolis to Huntington Beach
Monday, October 1, 2007
Yes, it does rain in Arizona.
The Sweat Shop, AZ's, finest Bicycle and Ski Board Shop
Thanks Jay.
Laurie & Pat at the Catron Supply Co. in Quemado
Yesterday was a day of multiple flats. Laurie and Pat saved the day when they sold me a tire tube. Pat and her husband arrived here in NM about eleven years ago from California. Previously, they spent eleven years as full time RV'ers. They also worked as volunteers for an organization called MMAP (Mobile Missionaries Assistants Program). This organization depends upon volunteers who go around the country and help with various church projects. Good job Don & Pat!
Special thanks to the owner of Catron Supply in Quemado, for having the store open on Sunday for two bicyclists looking for tire repair parts. You saved the day.
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