Flagstaff - a ride with the wind
Tuesday, May 26, 2009 found us leaving Albuquerque with bright sunshine and excited to be getting an earlier start. After a brief stop at Thunderbird HD to pick up a tee shirt, we headed west. Our first stop was the Rio Puerco Bridge - all during the ride it has been interesting to see what has been preserved in the name of history. As we continued riding west, we were treated to some stunning views of the countryside which at times were awe inspiring.
As we continued to ride, the temperature dropped and we opted for warmer close as the elevation remained above 5000 feet. As we approached Gallup, we stopped at the Continental Divide - I have now crossed both the eastern and western continental divide. As we scanned the horizon, we could see a storm brewing ahead of us which called for rain gear to be doned. The winds picked up and the temperature dropped regardless we rode on and witht he winds pushing the storm east we missed most of it except for 10 minute down pour. We rolled into Gallup via Route 66 and enjoyed the town with its variety of trading shops and landmarks. The Richardson trading Company became our stop and all their items are locally made - purchased from the native population. The store had a tremendous variety of items.
Following Gallup, we headed for the Petrified Forest and some well sought after sunshine. The vistas provide by the ride throught the petrified Forest were breath taking at times and the pictures do not do them justice. As we left the Petrified Forerst, the storms reappeared andas we rode toward Holbrooke, we found ourselves on a rode with the disclaimer not showeled or monitored during storms. The winds had picked up, again and as I rode down this road, I noticed a brown wall in front of me - it was a dust cloud from the winds and it stretched a quarter mile across the road. With my head down i rode through the wall of dust only to be greeted by a down pur - I had to laugh as Mother Nature threw stuff at us and we kept on riding. The wind was so strong we tilted the bikes into the wind and still went straight - it was an advenure.
Winslow - standing on corner - was our next stop. We found the corner and it was interesting to read the history of the events. Following Winslow, we headed to Meteor Crater which was very impressive and a tad expensivve at $15 to see. My question was - if it was created 50,000 years ago who was present to confirm it was a meteor. The day ended with a gorgeous ride into the sunset and a hotel room in Flagstaff. Another adventurous day with plenty to see and wonderful riding - the time on the bike does wonders to clear the mind.
Tomorrow the goal is to see the north and south rim of the Grand Canyon - stay tuned for details.
Have a wonderful day!