NM Law Enforcement Torch Run: Shiprock to Gallup - CycleTour

The event is a benefit for new Mexico Special Olympics. The course reads a little bit like a Hillerman novel. This leg was from Shiprock to Gallup. I picked up the group north of a small town called Tohatchi. The Torch was being relayed by the Navajo Tribal Police from the Shiprock and Crownpoint Districts.

The New Mexico desert gets a little hot and dry in May, there were a few officers that didn't show, and after finding out that I had a road bike, my weary comrades asked if I could take a stretch...all uphill.

My leg was from Tohlakai to about Yahtahey. There used to be such a sense of adventure on that old road. Once upon a time it was a two laner with steep shoulder named Highway 666. The road has calmed down. My stretch was now mostly 4 laner and the roadname was changed to Highway 491 a few years ago. The shoulders are wide enough that my escort vehicles and I didn't have to venture into the traffic lane too often.

Nothing spectacular about the ride itself, except for maybe the scenery. I've grown partial to desert over the past 15 years.

Loaded up the bike and drove some more.


I really felt burned out after the Ragnar Del Sol at the end of March so I took some time off from training. I've also been sick to the point where my wife says I should see a doctor...maybe next week.

And I can't begin to describe the wind and heat for May...I'm more of a morning/early evening rider.


Being the the coordinator, it wouldn't be fair to do a full race evaluation. I had a really good group working for me that I'll give credit to for getting it together. Only complaint was a few no shows. Special Olympics is a great program with a really appreciative group of athletes. It's really rewarding to help make it possible for them.