Hi Everyone!
Well, it has been a very busy 3 days for me. On Thursday, Day 19, we rode from Gunnison, CO to Salida, CO. The weather that day, started out magnificently, as did the ride! The first 32 miles was relatively flat. It was great compared to the day prior, as we had very little headwind, which made riding much easier. Mile 32.8 the BIG climb began. 9 miles, climbing up to 11,312 feet up to Monarch Pass. Comparing everything thus far to the climb to Mt. Rose on day 5, this mountain came pretty darn close in difficulty. However, Mt. Rose still wins in that department. It was challenging, but I embraced the challenge, and made it to the top...two hours later!!! But, I did it!!!
I got to the top of the mountain about 1 o'clock, with a few other fellow riders. We took the Gondola ride to the top, and took pics of the continental divide, and amazing view of the surrounding mountains. By the time we got back from the ride, we stopped at the gift shop, had lunch, and waited at the top for an hour and a half due to a lightening/thunder and rainstorm. I was willing to try to outrun the storm, but staff (thanks Michelle!) has taught me that I must respect the weather, and not take a chance of getting struck by lightning (really tho, what are the odds?) Regardless, after about an hour and a half, I made my way down the 20 mile plus downhill. The first half, I went an average of 20 or 25 mph, afraid of the wet road, slipping or falling. After about 10 miles the road was dry again, I started to warm up from the rain, and flew down the mountain into Salida, CO.
Salida is one of my favorite places in Colorado. I think the mountain range along this area is magnificent! This was only my second time visiting this area, the first was when I passed through for the night on Ride the Rockies tour in 1994!
Me and fellow biker, Norb and I made it into Salida around 5pm. Just in time for dinner at Pizza Hut. The two of us decided to blow that idea, and went and rode into the old downtown area of Salida.
There, there was a car show featuring old Chevy cars from the 30's maybe even before. It was amazing to me that these cars were still able run!!! Pics will be on flickr. After viewing these cars, Norb and I went to the Boathouse Cantina, which was a restaurant/bar on the side of the river. There we watched the kayakers in the water. I laughed, knowing that would be my ultimate demise if I ever dared try this! I know I wouldn't have the strength to roll myself back up from under the water in a capsized kayak, EVER! It was at this time too that we were informed of the death of Michael Jackson. What a day I tell you!!! This restaurant however, has THE BEST portobello mushroom sandwich I have ever had. If you ever are in Salida, Co, I highly recommend going to the Boathouse Cantina!
After dinner, I rode to the motel, checked in, and met up with my old high school friend.
Day 20- Salida, CO to Pueblo, CO.
This day started early as usual. We loaded up the van with luggage at 6 am, and we made our way to Patio Pancake Place. Really, it is another must try if you ever pass through Salida! Their pancakes are great, and I heard too that the breakfast burrito is not to be missed!!! This restaurant was only 1/4 of a mile from the motel,(Gateway Inn and Suites). Here, I actually met up with two other girls who were taking their own trip across the country. They too were from NY, they both had the exact same bike as mine, and they were headed toward California -- they were just going in the reverse direction as me!
Hopping on the bike, I started the long 93 mile trek to Pueblo, CO. It was another glorious day. The weather was hot and dry! The scenes down the canyon were amazing, and to top it all off..it was for all but 5 miles downhill! As we made our way out of the canyon, Carole, Bob, Norb and I stopped into Canon City, and had lunch at Big Daddy's Diner! The chicken sandwich gave me the energy I needed to go another 40 plus miles.
Once leaving Canon City, the mountain-ous range fell behind us, and we rode into rolling hills. My max speed down these hills was 39 mph. I continued to pedal as fast as I could, so my speed down the hill would also carry myself up the hill to conserve some energy. By the time we got to the second sag stop, the weather looked a bit threatening. After a little rest, I jumped back on the bike, and pedaled fast to beat the storm. Thanks to a wonderful tailwind, I kept my speed up to nearly 30 mph for the last 20 miles until I got to Pueblo! It was a wonderful ride! And, yes, I did miss the storm...just a few drops, but not drenched!
Day 21- So, here I've been, in Pueblo, Co for all of yesterday afternoon, and all day today. My dad came down from Ft. Collins to visit. I bought a cake and had a little get together with him and some other riders to celebrate his 72ond birthday which is tomorrow! He and I then went to one of his favorite restaurants for his birthday dinner. Afterwards, I've just been resting, went swimming in the pool, and went to the jacuzzi. And, I am now packed and ready for tomorrow!
TOMORROW!!!! The longest one day ride of this journey! 120 miles. Going from Pueblo to Lamar, CO. The route takes us mainly downhill, but if there are headwinds, and there may be, it may be a difficult day. Being the eternal optimist that I am, I know we will have tailwinds just as we did yesterday! However, it is raining outside right now...So, it is time for me to check the weather report, and turn in for the night!
Also, more pics are now posted at www.flickr.com/photos/meiri-bikeacrosscountry/
Hope all is well with everyone!!!
Meiri.
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