Another high forest ride in Gallup

Headed out last night w/ plan to drive further up hwy 400 to next road to find a place away from quaking aspen TH. Succeeded. However it was out of cell phone range so i missed my Sunday ride w/ Andy.

Wind died down overnight. Up & at it early. Drove back down to QA TH for ride. Today plan is to do an easy ride for rest of body & knee that still hurts. Putzing around @ TH deciding on ride. Stood at the trail map when a bluebird w/ a beetle in its mouth landed almost @ my feet. What a pretty bird: the blue is iridescent. I got about 10 winks & it flew up into a tree to consume its catch.

Finally headed out on prime Zuni Mtn ST. Kept heart rate down and enjoyed scenery by going slower. Checked out scenic overlook on Lost Lake Rim trail. Looked out over desert plateau to the end of skyline.

Meet Albert & wife Becky, owners of defunct local bike shop. He had comments about his customers.

Crossed a barb wire fence where i hooked a barb into my shorts, almost got hung up.

Back @ TH Blaine was just starting out. He had issues w/ his drive train that I said I could fix if he would get his cluster and call me.

Stopped @ Red Rocks XG for a shower. Host same as before and fee was same.

Back into Gallup to do wash. Gallup has beaucoup laundromats, most are 24 hour along historic rt 66. Clean clothes and bike gear drying on line in back of van. Low humidity assures quick drying time.

Blaine called me as I was walking in the Albertson’s parking lot w/ my hands full. He had the parts and was ready to meet me to install. He arrived, we moved to an abandoned building just off  rt 66. And Jack showed up. We all chatted about our rides and he ribbed me about missing a business permit. He has been reading my blog.

Fixed Blaine’s bike: replaced drive train. He thanked me. Like me long ago he doesn’t know how to work on bikes. But I do now.

Drove thru town on rt 66 to Amerigas parking lot for night. Tomorrow school is in session so I might have an early wake up.

Plan tomorrow is to call PO for pedals and then ride High Desert & then drive to Albuquerque