Ride the West: Flat-out from Fruita to Montrose

Tuesday, June 19, 2018

Fruita to Montrose, Colorado
74 miles
2,723' climbing
5 hours 9 minutes
3,635 calories
14.3 mph average
29.3 mph maximum

The 3,600 calories expended on this ride probably explains why I felt so wiped out after the ride. That and maybe the altitude has something to do with it. Seriously wondering why I put myself through this. It was a pleasure to finally leave Interstate riding behind. We spent most of the day on US 50. A busy state road but with much fewer tractor trailers and substantially lower anxiety levels.

We started the day at about 4,500' elevation and through a series of manageable climbs and descents ended the day at 5,500' elevation. I found myself really pushing the pedals hard today. Passed a few riders on the hills and just kept at it all day. My breathing tells me we're getting higher. And that's not a reference to the abundant Cannabis shops around the state.

Without a doubt, the landscape is changing. We're starting to see more and different vegetation than what was common in Nevada and Utah. Starting to pick up on some bird calls along the ride, too. Could just be we can now hear then without the constant roar of the highway.

Still, I'm feeling completely wasted. I overdid it. Probably because it was so nice to be of the highway and some testing of myself knowing we have a big day on Thursday. The days have caught up to me. We have another big elevation ride tomorrow. Considering if I can eat enough and sleep enough to recharge for the morning. Since it's voluntary on my part, I could throw on the towel. Let's see what happens.