Grants is a railway town on Route 66 & I-40. Grant is not an attractive time, a mix railway & service industries to serve all the through traffic.
Last night, I called into the local saloon & found myself celebrating Antonio’s 21st birthday with friends.
I stayed longer than I should have so a slightly later departure today.
My target was Pie Town. The Guide proposed 2 days to cover the 75 miles. well achievable (so I thought) if the wind behaved & the forecast for no rain was correct.
As it happened, the 1st 35 miles were against very strong headwinds and the last 30 miles then just stopped.
El Malpais National Monument
Next thing , the temperature dropped & it rained, the hailed & snowed the last 27 miles.
Turning onto the clay road & into the weather- Pie Town, 27 miles on
The clay roads became near impassable. It was a testing experience – especially in the dark. At one point my bike became solid with clay & unridable. I managed to drag it half a mile to firm ground, free the wheels & drive & remount. I decided that keeping the wheels spinning was the best way prevent a recurrence & luckily it worked – though the climbs up the clay sodden parts were a little challenging.
I reached the hostel at Pie Town at 9:45pm – after 12 hours of nonstop riding. I opened the door, freezing but elated. Inside I discovered a wonderfully warm, small room of fellow bikers & hikers – among them was Miles – great reunion! A hot cup of tea & food was quickly provided whilst I described how the horrendous conditions. Some guys were still out there, somewhere?
From here it is only 300 miles to Antelope Wells – and the end of this adventure. However – weather that is forecast is risking this part to be the most interesting / memorable!
John's Epic Cycle Adventures 