MORE WIND
Thursday May 23, 2019 Grants, NM to Albuquerque, NM. 79 miles
Ascent +2,045 feet, Descent -3,366 feet.
Cumulative 881 miles
Just as we have all week, we started biking with temps in the mid 30's although it did warm up to a high of about 70 while we biked. Once again wind was a major factor, this time with an actual wind advisory, so we were all worrying about exactly which direction the wind would blow from.
We would deal with steady winds of 20-36 with gusts up to 46 mph throughout the day. Both the wind direction and our direction of travel varied somewhat throughout the day, but we started out south into a direct headwind of about 20 mph. 5 of us got a pace line going which really helped to minimize fatigue. A pace line is where bikers take turns riding and front to break the wind for the other bikers who draft behind. After the first 45 minutes or hour, I developed trouble shifting to some gears, and my chain would jump from gear to gear on its own from time to time. All of this was due to a fraying cable which. Was replaced at the end of the day.
As we headed more easterly, the winds settled into a steady crosswind, which can be difficult and even a little dangerous , particularly the gusts which occur unpredictably and can blow you off the line your trying to follow, or worst case scenario can blow you over, particularly with winds of the magnitude we encountered.
We followed the historic Route 66 for 25 miles and then we're on I-40 for another 25 miles, and then more of the historic Route 66. Not too many miles after we exited I-40 as we were traveling a parallel path on 66, we could see what seemed to be the entire New. Mexico State Police force traveling west. On I-40 along with fire trucks and other emergency vehicles. The crew in one of our support vehicles reported that there was a multi-vehicle crash involving semis and cars, some of which had rolled over. I think the accident occurred in the portion of I-40 beyond where we had exited, but all the same, our good fortune continues.
As the intensity of the crosswinds continued to increase we had increasing trepidation, but we all arrived safely at our hotel unharmed. We have views of beautiful mountains that we will need to climb in the morning.
More later
Ascent +2,045 feet, Descent -3,366 feet.
Cumulative 881 miles
Just as we have all week, we started biking with temps in the mid 30's although it did warm up to a high of about 70 while we biked. Once again wind was a major factor, this time with an actual wind advisory, so we were all worrying about exactly which direction the wind would blow from.
We would deal with steady winds of 20-36 with gusts up to 46 mph throughout the day. Both the wind direction and our direction of travel varied somewhat throughout the day, but we started out south into a direct headwind of about 20 mph. 5 of us got a pace line going which really helped to minimize fatigue. A pace line is where bikers take turns riding and front to break the wind for the other bikers who draft behind. After the first 45 minutes or hour, I developed trouble shifting to some gears, and my chain would jump from gear to gear on its own from time to time. All of this was due to a fraying cable which. Was replaced at the end of the day.
As we headed more easterly, the winds settled into a steady crosswind, which can be difficult and even a little dangerous , particularly the gusts which occur unpredictably and can blow you off the line your trying to follow, or worst case scenario can blow you over, particularly with winds of the magnitude we encountered.
We followed the historic Route 66 for 25 miles and then we're on I-40 for another 25 miles, and then more of the historic Route 66. Not too many miles after we exited I-40 as we were traveling a parallel path on 66, we could see what seemed to be the entire New. Mexico State Police force traveling west. On I-40 along with fire trucks and other emergency vehicles. The crew in one of our support vehicles reported that there was a multi-vehicle crash involving semis and cars, some of which had rolled over. I think the accident occurred in the portion of I-40 beyond where we had exited, but all the same, our good fortune continues.
As the intensity of the crosswinds continued to increase we had increasing trepidation, but we all arrived safely at our hotel unharmed. We have views of beautiful mountains that we will need to climb in the morning.
More later
Jeff, you are doing a great job of keeping up with your journaling! I have no problem imagining your rides. I am so glad that the winds have been (mostly) favorable!
ReplyDeleteBe well, my friend!