Days 12–15: From Flagstaff to Gallup — Rest, Rails, Petrified Forests, and a Reminder Why This Ride Matter
Day 12 in Flagstaff was a welcome rest day, and we made the most of it.
We slept in (a luxury on this trip), then headed to Miss Zip’s Diner for what can only be described as a serious breakfast. I finally got something I’d missed on my birthday back on April 17 — corned beef hash with two eggs over easy. Outstanding. Scott ordered what felt like half the menu. Karen kept things a little more sensible. A great start to the day.
Miss Zip’s came highly recommended by Emma, our waitress from dinner the night before at a nearby Red Lobster (yes — first time in years). She told us she used to go there with her grandfather. She was right — it was the right call.
The rest day also meant bike maintenance. I learned something useful about the gravel bike tires — they’re basically governed around 42–45 PSI. Mystery solved. I also replaced a front light I had lost earlier in the trip and picked up a pair of full-finger gloves — which the bike shop crew assured me guaranteed warmer weather ahead.
That evening we had dinner with my cousin Eric Lazar and his wife Becky and their three terrific kids. Becky plays flute in the Flagstaff Symphony and teaches music. Eric substitutes percussion and works in development at Northern Arizona University. They gave us a great local tour and reminder that Flagstaff has a vibrant energy thanks to its university community. A wonderful evening with family.
Day 13 took us east out of Flagstaff toward Winslow and eventually Holbrook — about 66 miles, mostly flat and fast. Even with some headwinds I averaged around 19 mph, which felt pretty good.
What really struck me that day wasn’t the terrain — it was the movement of commerce across America. On one side of me: what felt like an endless stream of tractor-trailers moving goods east and west along I‑40. On the other: long BNSF freight trains stacked with double‑deck intermodal containers rolling across the country. A reminder of just how connected everything is.
Lunch in Winslow meant a stop at Relic Brewing and, of course, the required photo on the corner in Winslow, Arizona. Such a fine place to be.
That evening? Laundry night in Holbrook. Karen supervising operations, soft‑serve ice cream involved, and me waiting for dryers with a basket of fries. Real road‑trip living.
Day 14 brought warmer weather and a ride into one of the most fascinating landscapes of the trip — the Petrified Forest and Painted Desert.
The first half of the ride was pleasant and steady. Then came the scenery.
Massive slabs of petrified wood. Ancient tree trunks turned to stone from a time when this land was part of Pangaea. Then the Painted Desert opened up , wide skies, layered color, and views that made every mile worthwhile.
Unfortunately, beauty sometimes comes with a price.
The final 15 miles were straight into a stiff headwind. Every mile had to be earned. By the time we rolled into Chambers after 63 miles, my legs were ready to call it a day. Dinner at Pizza Edge ( reportedly the best pizza around ) confirmed recovery had officially begun.
Day 15 carried us out of Arizona and into New Mexico on the way to Gallup.
After some frontage‑road riding and a steady headwind (again), we crossed into Navajo Nation territory. That stretch of road delivered one of the most meaningful moments of the trip so far.
We encountered a mother and her son trying to get to safety after leaving a difficult situation. Karen — drawing on years of social‑work experience — stepped in immediately. Shelter space wasn’t available, but we were able to help them get lodging and food so they could stabilize and move forward.
It was a powerful reminder of why this ride matters.
This journey isn’t just about miles. It’s about people. It’s about families navigating difficult situations. And it’s about making sure kids don’t go hungry in this country.
Later in the ride I learned another lesson — always check the battery on an electronic drivetrain. Mine died while I was stuck in the hardest gear. Fortunately we swapped bikes and finished the ride into Gallup with functioning gears and a light drizzle to keep things interesting.
We wrapped the day at the SpringHill Suites in Gallup, grateful for a warm place to land — and even more grateful that Day 16 would be another rest day.
I’m riding coast‑to‑coast to raise $1 million for No Kid Hungry, a campaign dedicated to ending childhood hunger in the United States. Today, 14 million children in our country still face food insecurity. That should never happen here. We are riding to change that.
Your support helps connect kids to school breakfasts, summer meals, and community food programs that make a real difference every day.
If you’re able to help, please consider making a contribution and sharing the ride with others who may want to be part of the effort.
Food is fundamental. And together, we can help make sure every child gets the meals they need to grow, learn, and succeed.
Donate here: www.nokidhungryride.com
