The first leg of our 50-in-50 Challenge took us to Durango, Colorado. We started the trip in heavy monsoon rain on curvy, hilly roads – not a relaxing drive for Bill! The desert between Phoenix and Payson was very green from all the recent rains. Too bad the sun wasn’t out to highlight the colors.
We entered New Mexico and went through Gallup. Our route took us through part of the Navajo Reservation. The vast reservation land seemed so desolate and harsh. Homes are far apart, and living conditions appeared difficult. We saw several traditional hogans. We were reminded of how hard the Navajo Nation had been affected by the Covid pandemic in 2020 and how many of its citizens had been lost.
Bill commented on the diversity of the people of the United States– where we live and how we live — and the importance of not judging others based on our own lifestyle and experiences.
As we drove farther into the reservation, our LOW FUEL light came on. As Bill counted the miles to an EMPTY tank, Sue nervously searched for gas stations on her phone app. Luckily, we made it to a station, and Bill reluctantly agreed to fill up more frequently. Sue was relieved!!!
We arrived in beautiful Durango in mid-afternoon, checked in to our hotel and went to a local bike shop for route advice and trail maps for our first ride in Colorado tomorrow. We turned in early to be well rested for our first riding adventure!
50-in-50 Challenge 