Laughlin River Run 2009 - Day 5 "The Grand Canyon"

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Day 5

Weather - Ditto :-)

Another truly spectacular day that started in New Mexico and ended at the Grand Canyon.

Today was definitely a day of 'Firsts';

• First time where there were clouds, albeit not many as you’ll see from the pictures
• First time of riding over 500 Miles in one day for me.
• First time of riding without a helmet for about 200 miles on Hwy #160. Yes, not smart, but I can check that one off of my ‘bucket list’. Sunny skies and warm winds, it was fantastic.
• First time that I was back in New Mexico since there last. Yesterday was the first time in New Mexico. I took a scenic route from Gallup NM to ShipRock NM via Arizona today
• First time standing on the corner of Utah, Colorado, New Mexico and Arizona. Although CNN/NECN reported yesterday that there is now a dispute as to whether the 4 corners actually meet where the monument is located. As with everything in the US, a lawsuit is pending.
• First time filling my bike at a service station and a late 20’s very attractive girl came and said she was on vacation and taking pictures with hot guys. What? And so what’s that got to do with me? “You look distinguished and very hot in those leathers sitting on your Harley, can I have my friend take a picture of me with you?”. Who me? Are you kidding I said, you just made my day, of course take as many as you want. See, a First Time for everything :-)
  

Somewhat saddened with only one day of riding left, and a short day at that. So the fact that today’s ride was long, under fantastic conditions and end with awe inspiring views over the Grand Canyon, made it all worthwhile. It was an early start departing Gallup at 7:30 which was 6:30 AZ time. AZ is the only state in the Mountain Time zone that doesn’t recognize DST. I made my way back west into Arizona in order the travel the 191 North, which was marked as a scenic Hwy. It was a great ride, no traffic and great scenary. When I hit the #160 I made my way East to the ‘Four Corners’ to see the only place in the US where 4 states meet at one point.

I was intrigued by the large outcrop of rock on the horizon and decided to continue East to Shiprock, NM. Truly an awesome sight. What I learned after viewing it -

Shiprock, located in northwestern New Mexico, is a most impressive example of a volcanic neck, or a central feeder pipe. The remnant of an eruption around 30 million years ago during the Oligocene, it is the basalt core of an extinct volcano.

Then it was back on the 160 West to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. The ride was light with traffic and the sunny skies and warm breeze made the trek pass by very fast. At the intersection of #160 and #163 you could see some of the large formations to the North in Monument Valley. One of the most memorable rides from last year.

The Grand Canyon was incredible. When i rounded that first curve and saw it open up it was breathtaking. I’m happy with the pictures, but they truly don’t do it justice. The sheer magnitude you can’t capture in a picture. A must see! Enjoy the pictures.

Mouse over the photos and 'Left Click' to access the online album and larger photos;