Day 6

April 15 th

Finish mileage  120,563
Start mileage    120,026
Total miles for the day 537 miles
Total miles for ride so far 2622
Start time today 7:30 am 
Finish time today 7:00 pm 

Last day to ride into Phoenix from Moriarty New Mexico. A very long day after a very long day yesterday.

Once again it is dry,  thank you for small favors like this.We road on I 40 from Moriarty to Gallup New Mexico. Then took route 77 and then route 60 into Phoenix and I 10.

When we turned off I 40 at Gallup to ride on a nice two lane road. Well all except for a  short piece trying to taking a short cut to Pie Town that turned into a dirt road. The scenery was beautiful if you like dry, grassy, sometimes flat and sometimes rolling terrain. Most of us were saying how gorgeous it was riding this back road to Phoenix. We even, way out here ran into a road crew and had to stop for the flagman while a truck came to our aid to lead us through the road work. Shortly after it was discovered that a wheel on one of our trailers was wobbling when rolling slowly. After  stopping to test the lugs on the trailer wheels we found that the lugs were 1/4 to 1/2 of a turn loose. The driver was most appreciative that the wobble was noticed. Turns out he had taken the wheels off so he could repack the bearings this winter and thought the lugs were tight. This could have been very bad if the wheel came off.

The group found a road sign stating Pie Town was 29 miles away. Only 9 miles of those were out of our way. We all turned towards Pie Town. This place has a history that can be read here.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pie_Town,_New_Mexico

There are only two places open this early in the season. Stopping at the second business proved that only pie was to be had there. Most of the riders were interested in food not dessert. We drove back to a place we past on the way into town.

It was a very nice place with room for about 30 people. A half pound cheeseburger with real fresh french fires was delicious. After lunch it was back in the saddle and on to the Salt River Canyon.d

Our leader advised once we got into the Salt River Canyon to just meander along and take all the pictures we would like. The road only goes one way and he would wait for all of us.  So here are a few pictures of the Canyon.

 Charlie from Lewisberry area back home in PA.

Prior to entering the Canyon there were road signs warning of an accident on the road through the canyon. Here is a shot of us waiting for the flagman to let us through. There was a refuge semi hauling several containers and a car must have come around a curve to fast hitting the trailer and the car or the trailer burst into flames. It was a mess and they will be cleaning up for some time.

Eventually out of the Canyon and on toward Phoenix. We stopped in Globe, Az to fill up to make the final run into the valley of the  Sun. Finally on I 10 the group continuing on went to the hotel up I 17 and I continued on to Avondale and Wes's house for some well needed  rest. Unfortunately I remembered needing to wash the bike before settling in for the night. So Wes and I washed  my very filthy black Goldwing. It looked  real good after  we were done.

We went out to the Angry Crab for supper. Steamed craw dads and shrimp in Cajun sauce with several potatoes and sausages. Really great meal.

Home to bed and a good nights sleep.

TTFN