Ride the West: Into Colorado!

Monday, June 18, 2018

Green River, Utah to Fruita, Colorado

89.8 miles
3,346' climbing
5 hours 24 minutes
3,694 calories
16.6 mph average
38.5 mph maximum

Expected forecast of headwinds and heat. Close to 90 miles after bugger of a day yesterday. Up at 4:30, breakfast @5:15 and rolling by 6:00.

Awesome gift of mostly tailwinds pushing us along on Interstate 70 today for all but 2.5 miles. Some long stretches of fairly gently grade risers and equally long but more aggressive descents with some surprise crosswinds to keep us on our toes.

The interstate shoulders appeared remarkably clean. However, the stats on the number of flats today told another story. I had a good flat, meaning as I rode the last half mile to the second SAG stop, I could hardly turn the pedals. As I rolled into the SAG, the staff pointed out my rear flat. Using the tools and tube I carry with me, Scott actually popped off my tire and changed the flat for me. We're supposed to be self-sufficient in fixing flats, but if he's offering, I'm accepting - especially at mile 65. As an added bonus, the staff had cans of Coke and Sprite on ice for us at the SAG. A very nice surprise.

I helped or waited for two others in my group who also had flats today. At route rap this evening, we counted 19 flats and 1 blown tire. Clean looking interstate shoulders can sure hide a lot of wires.

Despite the tour's record number of flats, I managed to get to the hotel by 1 p.m. Really good time for me. Unfortunately, I arrived at hotel before the truck with luggage did, so I had to stay in my biking kit and shoes, and walked the block to the DQ behind the hotel for a couple of chili dogs and a smoothie. Caught up with three other faster riders there, too.

After my snack, I picked up my bags, showered, got a load of laundry done and caught up on some backlogged blogging. Almost had time for a nap.

Diner tonight was great. Instead of the BBQ Rib joint we thought we'd go to, we hit a Steak house. I had an awesome NY Strip with roasted red potato and house salad. That's two really excellent meals in a row. Let's see if this streak continues (betting it's probably not). Great time at dinner. Everyone in good mood after a good day of cycling despite flats.

Walking to hotel from restaurant, we passed an open lot, with a colony(?) of white-tailed prairie dogs. Saw a dozen or more popping up, scampering around, and diving back under ground into their boroughs.

We start to increase our elevation tomorrow as we push into Colorado towards Monarch Pass. Breakfast at 6:00, riding at 7:15.