Another 10,000 ft summit

Day 3 September 7

Why is it always the steepest just before the summit? 

Today we woke up to clear skies which was good considering it has rained much of the night.  After our mandatory packets of instant oats 😝we left our campsite to start the day. Ok well campsite might be over selling some. We found a dirt road next to a farmers pasture. At least it was flat and we could have a big dinner before the rain started. 

Fresh legs always make the ride go smoothly. We had a good average speed for the first few miles.  Our guidebook said today was supposed to be easier.  But we still had another 10,000 ft elevation mountain to climb. No matter how easy the trail, 10,000 ft is a good climb. Not much air up there either!

On the way up, the wind direction kept changing directions. Elm trees line the road and their leaves danced frantically regardless of the wind’s efforts. When it’s a tailwind, I thanked my blessings for the push. When it was a headwind, I entertained myself watching the elm leaves. I considered that there’s not much sightseeing when you’re peddling uphill.  A moose could be standing 10 feet away from me. I’d never know it.  Thankfully, my elevation sickness seems to have passed. 

We took a trophy photo at the summit.  And ate a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. 

There was a fantastic downhill ride afterwards. I suppose if someone asked what I hoped the ride would be, it would be a great downhill sightseeing the whole time. No pedaling. 

No matter what, we are always tired at the end of the day. We rolled into the town of DEL NORTE Colorado. Dale had already scouted a brewery. That always seemed to be the priority. 

We wanted a hot shower and to do laundry. The RV park wasn’t too obliging to mere bicycle riders. The motel didn’t cut Dale’s standards. Something about the price and someone drying laundry out front. So that left the city park. Friendly to bikes they allow one overnight stay. Oddly. There’s a sign that said “no stealing water!”  As far we can tell, water seems to be very abundant here. The Rio Grande runs across the back of the park. 

As we started to set out our tents, a kind old man with suspenders from a house next to the park warned us that the water sprinklers come on at 05:00. 

So we moved our tents onto the stage. One of those places the mayor may make big speeches to the towns people. 

Afterwards, we took a collection and went to the laundromat. While the laundry machine tried to make our stuff clean without gagging, we went to the Dollar Store. It seems no matter how small the town, there’s a dollar store. 

It rained again while we settled down. The cashier at the grocery said, “if you don’t like the weather in Colorado, just wait a minute. “

I’m going to sleep with earplugs tonight. No telling what amount and variety of noises old men make. 

There’s still two more steep climbs to worry about then the remotes of New Mexico. Stay tuned. 

our moment on the stage!