Day 12

Gallup to Grants, NM (68 miles) -- I should know better than to hope for a short day. Here's a good example: the ride was only 68 miles today (I remember when that used to be a long ride!) so I thought I'd be in by 12:30 or 1:00. But once again, my constant companion, Mr. Wind, made sure that didn't happen! Approaching the Continental Divide was pretty uneventful -- no big climbs as in the Rockies -- so after a quick SAG at the top, we began a delightful, gradual descent pedaling at around 20 mph with little effort. That's when I began to think I'd be at the hotel early for a change. Of course, the wind picked up and the hard work and slow pace commenced. Crossing the Continental Divide was the highlight of today, and I had a 3-day visit from my husband to look forward to the next day which renewed my enthusiasm!