We had a warm morning today, 49 degrees, to start out instead of in the 30’s. Plus no downhill for a long time so we could built up heat instead of freezing the first few miles. We did have a long hill right out of camp but that was fine. Didn’t have to wear as many clothes either.
Had to ride the interstate first thing for 23 miles. Most of it was ok except for a short section of pitso shoulder. It was really rough and dirty. When I say dirty, I mean littered with debris of all kinds that didn’t get blown off into the grass. The biggest problem with riding interstates, other than the big trucks and campers that don’t get over, is all the debris which causes flat tires. I think we all lucked out today.
At one point, once we were off the interstate, the interstate went through a cut in the rocks and our road went down and around the big red mesa. Got a picture but still can’t upload. You may get all these pictures from today, tomorrow.
I have noticed ever since Texas that there have been an occasional gourd plant along the highway. Saw several again today and finally took pictures but, again, can’t get any to upload tonight.
About 15 miles before camp, a lava band appeared, not real wide but as I rode along, the lava band kept getting wider. At camp, I took the half mile walk through the lava and saw the two volcanos, both of which don’t look like the volcanos I’m used to seeing. But this lava flowed 115,000 years ago. On the walk, the signs also mentioned the tarantula and three kind of snakes very prominent in the area. Not leaving shoes outside the tent.
Tonight is supposed to get down to 36 degrees. I’ll look like the Michelin man in the morning. I can always carry clothes but I really don’t want to start out cold. I never ride in these temps at home.
I am not a dog person and really dislike (hate) dogs in general. There have only been three dogs in my lifetime that I can tolerate. The reason, they are obnoxious and always want to jump on you or slobber or bark and attack. And the worst are the ones who chase you on a bike.
Today was a case in point. Mark was riding along and this dog came after him and ran right in front of his bike. He hit it, ran over it, and went straight over the handle bars. Road rash and a separated shoulder all because of a stupid dog who wants to chase you and harass you. Most look like they want to bite you and often , bikers are bitten. Not a pleasant thing. The thing I hate most about riding a bike is DOGS. I hate them. I usually carry a hand size bear spray to use on dogs but I had to leave it behind when I flew home from Canada. Sure wish I had had it a couple times on this trip.
Staying in a nice KOA in Grants tonite.
62.8 miles today . 5385.6 Total
BikerAl Across America 2018 