#jc2nyc

I don’t intend to steal all of the lovely words that Patricio put together logging his trip, but I can’t help but provide a snippet and a link with the hopes that you’ll head over to his blog and read the full story.

-Erik

April 4, Seligman AZ, 75 mi Paty, Dery and I left Flagstaff early in the morning and headed for Seligman We arranged for Vivi to meet us about midpoint and eat lunch. She would then ride to Seligman and wait for us there. That is assuming we had no emergencies. We spent the first 25 miles on I-40. It was on this stretch of the route that we found the biggest downgrade, 8%. It ran for about 12-14 miles. As we were going downhill, we found a lone rider going in the opposite direction. He had lots of baggage, camping equipment and all. Needles to say, he was walking his bike uphill. We waved goodbye and he waved back. We got off the highway and onto a frontage road that would eventually become Route 66 and takes us the rest of the way. We stopped in Ash Fork for a quick bite at a western style convenience store. The shop owner sported the biggest pistol I've ever seen in my life. The thing was over a foot long. Fortunately for us the guy was friendly so we had a couple of drink and snacks. It is not like we had many options, it was the only store in town. After this we got back on Route 66. The Mother Road on this part of AZ runs mostly flat and through cattle ranches. It was a first good ride for the kids, good mileage, great weather and scenery. We arrived in Seligman in mid afternoon. Seligman is said to have inspired Radiator Springs (Disney's Cars.) The town is about 6 blocks long, with a few RT 66 themed shops and is stuck in the 1950s. We ate at Road Kill, a restaurant whose owner is from Pennsylvania.  I had a good buffalo Burger. Across the street there was another restaurant called Westside Lilo's Cafe owned by a German fellow. Most people in Seligman came from some place else and many came there for vacation and stayed. From Seligman you can go to the Grand Canyon, caverns and many other local attractions. I'm thinking of coming back and stay around Seligman one day and check out all the sites.

Tuesday’s Agenda:

* Get Patricio new tires * Load up on inner tubes * Drop off the UHaul * Get Patricio back on Route 66 * Pick up ZipCar * Get Rob’s bike packed and shipped

After three days (or ~200 miles by bike and another ~120 by UHaul) on the road to Albuquerque it was time to catch up on rest; partly out of necessity and partly due to circumstances. Two Wheel Drive, one of the larger indie bike shops in Albuquerque, opened at 10am. It wasn’t a random choice to head there. Researching the route, a kindred soul found himself (Crazy Guy on a Bike) in a similar predicament: no tubes, no bike shops for miles. Two Wheel overnighted supplies to his hotel – giving them our business was an easy choice.

The mechanics at Two Wheel Drive suggested a bomb-proof reinforced 700x25 tire (reinforced with Kevlar) for the front and back. “If you pop these you must’ve deserved it,” was the imparted wisdom. The only concern was clearance. They generously let us use their shop, a stand and tools to confirm the fit – and frequently offered to help. New tires on, 6 tubes in tow, we loaded the bikes and returned the UHaul.

By noon we were on the road. Albuquerque is an extremely bike friendly town, complete with Bike Boulevards (with 18mph speed limits), dedicated lanes, and signed routes. Navigating an exit was relatively easy – the climb out was not: 5 miles and ~1,000 feet.

A few miles down the I-40 frontage road I said my goodbye to Patricio and left him with a parting gift.

(The lady in the pharmacy told us they don’t stock sunblock until May...)

(Rio Grande)

The descent into town was serene. I took a few hours to cruise along the Rio Grande and scope out potential eateries. For a Tuesday afternoon Albuquerque was alive with people hiking, running and biking. After a quick snack at Fuddruckers, I picked up a ZipCar at the Airport and dropped my bike off at the Better Bike Bureau (BBB).

BBB specializes in traveling bike maintenance and will meet you at your bequest for tune-ups, roadside support, a coffee… well maybe not a coffee. I stumbled across their services on r/Albuquerque and they were willing to pack the bike for $65 and ship it for the going rate on 3-day insured mail. Flexibility was key, they were willing to work with me whenever I arrived in Albuquerque, it just happened to work out that I was in town and could drop it off at a reasonable hour. At the moment the shop is run out of their house, they’re working on moving into a larger space – I was told possibly as early as May. Regardless, they were awesome people, who provided great service, and got the bike safely back to New Jersey. I definitely recommend their services to any biker in a pinch in the Albuquerque Metro.

I spent the next two days eating, drinking local beers, and checking out a few National Monuments. Rather than bore you with more text, I’ll let the pictures tell the story.

(The famous Kimo in Downtown ABQ)

(Tap lineup at Sister Bar)

(A much needed beer to close out the trip at Marble Brewery)

(A fellow cyclist stopping to recaffeinate)

(Beans roasted on premises. A little pick-me-up before hiking Sandia)

(Some pictures from the top of Sandia Peak. Over 10,000 ft above sea level)

(Farewell lunch at Mary & Tito’s. Chimichanga lunch special for $6.50)

(A few pictures from the Petroglyph National Monument)