Thursday and Friday, July 8th and July 9th
It was 4:00am, the birds weren’t chirping, the sun wasn’t shining but our cell phone alarms sure were blasting. Today was our earliest wake up yet, but for good reason. We had a 100 mile day ahead of us with an expected high of 94 degrees! Welcome to the DESERT 4k!!!! To make matters worse, we stayed on actual beds in Grand Junction! Mattresses are rare but wonderful commodities on the 4k. Leaving the comfort of a mattress is a struggle. But of course we all woke up and went on with our regular morning routine. For breakfast we had about 100 bagels to choose from thanks to the generosity of Grand Junction’s own Main Street Bagels. The sun was barely peaking over the horizon as we dedicated our ride at our morning circle.
The first 20 miles of the ride were a bit terrifying. Apparently it’s NOT illegal for cyclist to ride on the I-70 in Colorado or Utah. This is the first time we intentionally ride on an interstate… key word: intentionally! It was difficult to get used to cars and trucks speeding past us at 75 miles an hour, but we survived. The tail winds helped us get through the interstate quickly. Tail winds are also a rare luxury for us and we like to take advantage of them when we can. One of the highlights of the say was going 25 mph up a hill.
It was bitter sweet to leave Colorado today. It definitely lived up to its name “Colorful Colorado”. The best word to describe the past week in Colorado is MAJESTIC! It’s sad to leave such a beautiful state, but exciting to finally get to Utah! Utah’s state sign read “Life Elevated”. Only 3 states to go!
I am always amazed as to how quickly the scenery changes from one state to the other. At around mile 70 we began to bike alongside the Colorado River (in Utah). Surrounding the river were 30-story-high mesas (flat top mountains) that are difficult to describe. The contrast between the clay red of the mesas, the deep blue sky and the greenish-blue river was spectacular. I felt like we were riding through a story book. The only down side to today was the heat: after lunch the temperature quickly shot up to close to 100 degrees. The one thing that kept me going was Chris’ narration of Harry Potter and the Deadly Hollows (book 7). His dialogue was right on point, although his British accent began to sound more and more like a mix between a Scottish, Irish and Swedish accent. He kept it going for about 90 out of the 100 miles… I was on the edge of my saddle with suspense.
The heat started to get to us, so Meghan, Kieran, Dan and I decided to take a little swim in the Colorado River. We only had 5 miles left in the day but it was completely worth it. It was a great way to cool off and really experience the beauty of Moab.
We were able to dry off quickly with the heat and we finally we rolled into Moab. It’s always great to walk into an air conditioned church after a long day, especially when the congregation greets us with ice cold pink lemonade (my favorite). Dinner was fantastic! We had Navajo tacos with beans, beef and an assortment of toppings. I’m familiar with regular tacos held together by a tortilla, but these were held together by fried bread. I don’t want to admit it… but I have to say that fried bread is definitely tastier than a tortilla. It was great to talk to all the community members. They were all so excited to have us here for two days. We are all ready for a day off here. We have plans to sleep in, shop around for bike gear and explore the beautiful Arch’s National Park.
- Adali
Showing posts with label Colorado. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Colorado. Show all posts
Friday, July 9, 2010
Monday, July 5, 2010
Day 36: Grandby, Co to Kremmling, CO
Sunday, July 4rth
What better way to celebrate America‘s Independence Day than a lazy, 28-mile downhill ride into Kremmling, Colorado? We started the day by sleeping in until 6:30 am (I’m not being sarcastic) and cruised out of Grandby. Last night, we watched the fireworks in Grandby after the rodeo and several of us continued the celebration of the 4th today by wearing American “flair” on our bikes. All groups took their time getting into Kremmling by exploring what Hot Sulpher Springs had to offer and their curiously named local establishments. We rode through beautiful Byers Canyon with horses on the left and deer jumping along to the right just as a train wound around the steep canyon walls above the river; tumbleweed was blowing across Main Street, Kremmling and the only thing missing to make this a real Western was dueling cowboys.
Groups arrived early into Kremmling and more or less took it easy afterwards. Tonight everyone plans to watch the fireworks over the cliffs that hang above Kremmling. Happy 4th of July everyone!
- Kristen Schubert
What better way to celebrate America‘s Independence Day than a lazy, 28-mile downhill ride into Kremmling, Colorado? We started the day by sleeping in until 6:30 am (I’m not being sarcastic) and cruised out of Grandby. Last night, we watched the fireworks in Grandby after the rodeo and several of us continued the celebration of the 4th today by wearing American “flair” on our bikes. All groups took their time getting into Kremmling by exploring what Hot Sulpher Springs had to offer and their curiously named local establishments. We rode through beautiful Byers Canyon with horses on the left and deer jumping along to the right just as a train wound around the steep canyon walls above the river; tumbleweed was blowing across Main Street, Kremmling and the only thing missing to make this a real Western was dueling cowboys.
Groups arrived early into Kremmling and more or less took it easy afterwards. Tonight everyone plans to watch the fireworks over the cliffs that hang above Kremmling. Happy 4th of July everyone!
- Kristen Schubert
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Day 34: Boulder, CO to Estes Park, CO
Friday. July 2nd
FINALLY, The Rocky Mountains.
Longingly awaited by some, feared by others, suspiciously eyed by all during our ride into Boulder and during our day-off in this beautiful resort of liberalism in the heart of Colorado. Reinforced by two 4K alumni we left the First Baptist Church between 6.30 and 7.00, heading north. They suggested not to take Lee Hill Road, as originally planned, but to take the flatter and 5 miles longer detour around the steepest part of the mountain. All 4kers except the fearless Kristen, Amelia, Abhishek and Henrik opted for the longer route and enjoyed a rather gradual ascent. Meanwhile, the quartet was greeted by a 14% incline already after the first switchback but was compensated for their efforts with a marvelous descent. Only Abhishek got unlucky. He jammed his chain and was set back for several minutes but caught up quickly without breaking into sweat.
All riders met again on Lefthand Canyon Road on their way across the first real mountain pass of this trip. The views were fantastic, the roads predominantly in excellent condition and the weather ideal for a nice ride. The roads weren't too steep, but sometimes averaged 7-8% for a long stretch which can be tedious in high altitude. Several of us complained about the thin air, only Amelia couldn't stop babbling how nice it smells and how clean it is.
After around 18 miles we arrived at the tiny city of Ward. What was formerly a mining settlement seemed to have turned into a hiding place for the last hippies in America. But to our surprise, they were serving great espresso, which was a rare treat in the farmlands of the Midwest. From Ward, it was only another half mile to the mountain pass where we took a water stop and regrouped.
After the pass, we had another 32 miles of wonderful descents, short climbs and spectacular views. Especially overseeing the valley of Estes Park was breathtaking. This was real road-biking! Especially those that have never been in the mountains, not to mention on a bike, were amazed by the beauty of Colorado. Overall we climbed almost 2000 meters (>6500 feet) over 50 miles in around 4 hours and 30 minutes and most of us agreed that it has been the best day on this trip so far. Trail Ridge Road - we are coming!
- Henrik Bläute
FINALLY, The Rocky Mountains.
Longingly awaited by some, feared by others, suspiciously eyed by all during our ride into Boulder and during our day-off in this beautiful resort of liberalism in the heart of Colorado. Reinforced by two 4K alumni we left the First Baptist Church between 6.30 and 7.00, heading north. They suggested not to take Lee Hill Road, as originally planned, but to take the flatter and 5 miles longer detour around the steepest part of the mountain. All 4kers except the fearless Kristen, Amelia, Abhishek and Henrik opted for the longer route and enjoyed a rather gradual ascent. Meanwhile, the quartet was greeted by a 14% incline already after the first switchback but was compensated for their efforts with a marvelous descent. Only Abhishek got unlucky. He jammed his chain and was set back for several minutes but caught up quickly without breaking into sweat.
All riders met again on Lefthand Canyon Road on their way across the first real mountain pass of this trip. The views were fantastic, the roads predominantly in excellent condition and the weather ideal for a nice ride. The roads weren't too steep, but sometimes averaged 7-8% for a long stretch which can be tedious in high altitude. Several of us complained about the thin air, only Amelia couldn't stop babbling how nice it smells and how clean it is.
After around 18 miles we arrived at the tiny city of Ward. What was formerly a mining settlement seemed to have turned into a hiding place for the last hippies in America. But to our surprise, they were serving great espresso, which was a rare treat in the farmlands of the Midwest. From Ward, it was only another half mile to the mountain pass where we took a water stop and regrouped.
After the pass, we had another 32 miles of wonderful descents, short climbs and spectacular views. Especially overseeing the valley of Estes Park was breathtaking. This was real road-biking! Especially those that have never been in the mountains, not to mention on a bike, were amazed by the beauty of Colorado. Overall we climbed almost 2000 meters (>6500 feet) over 50 miles in around 4 hours and 30 minutes and most of us agreed that it has been the best day on this trip so far. Trail Ridge Road - we are coming!
- Henrik Bläute
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