Rehoboth to Shiprock

Before I start with today, how about last night first. A bus load of people went to downtown Gallup to watch a native dance. See pics   One guy had a honey badger pelt and deer antlers. It was fun to watch. The whole father earth, and mother moon was a bit hokey but still fun to watch. 

So now on to today. I was on sweep today so Stan waited for me.  We loaded the gear truck had breakfast ,,and got on the road by 730 am. Today we ride 100 miles about 160km. Oh ya almost forgot. A few people had already left when we found out the road had washed out. So they said we had to cancel the ride because an alternate route was 160miles. That we a little far. Just so happened a state trooper lived at Rehoboth and arranged to have them let us walk our bikes across the wash out. It was back on. What a roller coaster  of emotions. We head out with five of us. But soon it was just Stan and I bringing up the rear, but that was ok because we like to ride at our own pace. Once again the scenery was just breath taking. Hope the pics come out ok. It's hard to tell on my little phone screen. 

Along the way natives from local church's had signs up and gave us water and snacks. That was neat. It's amazing what you find on the side of the road, like a cow. Their kept in the ranches by fences and cow catchers. Which if you look above is a heavy duty grate they don't want to step through, not fun to bike over either. 

So we get to the wash out and they let us walk our bikes across which was awesome. The sag vehicles had to go around. A local native from the church there showed Carrie a shortcut of 8 miles down a rough road witch turned out better then the 2 hour detour everyone else had to take. 

The table Mesa was amazing. Also the high rock formations were spectacular. 

Wow riding through this place was amazing yet very desolate. They have had drought for five years.  As the day went on the temperature went up. By the time we got to Shiprock it was 103degrees  Fahrenheit. The radiant heat of the pavement has much higher cause our bike GPS was reading 110. We ended up cycling into a headwind the last half of the day. That made things a lot harder. Then add in the blowing sand in your face. Today was a day to stay tough mentally. 

Here's a few more pics 

Not sure if you can see it but the last couple of hours I was seeing a mirage on front and behind me. It was like driving through a lake but never getting to the water. I finally saw a sign I couldn't believe. 

I told the kids to pack the house up I think I'm moving to Shiprock New Mexico. I did only have one. The ride today was long but very rewarding. 

  The parts for the tilt skillet came in so I tried to fix it but it didn't go so well. No tools no tester, heat. It's hard to work in those conditions. I ended the day frustrated , witch kinda sucked after such a good riding day. We went to town and picked up some fuses, a multi-tester and a crimper, hopefully I can get this thing working cause it's driving me crazy. Case in point I'm writing this at 330 in the morning. I can't sleep. Hopefully after getting this of my chest I can get back to sleep. Love you all  and thanks for the emails and comments they truly keep me going. Len