![]() Bike
Comments: 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. ![]() Post race
Warm down: Loaded up the bike and drove some more. What limited your ability to perform faster: 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. Event comments: 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. Last updated: 2007-05-10 12:00 AM
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United States
New Mexico Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics
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Spent the morning running errands, went by the stadium and cheered on my DARE students who were having their district track and field day. Had a sandwich and carefully disassembled "Old Glory" (my bike) and managed to make it fit into the backseat of a caged police package crown vic. Not a fitting place for a bike that you like, but I didn't want to hear about it from the chief for putting a trunk rack on a brand new black and white.
I was only supposed to drive support/escort...but you never know when a chance to ride will come in...
None. I spent a good portion of the afternoon driving escort and shooting video.