First of all, some pictures from inside the hotel and bar taken last night. There were waaaay too many dead animals hanging on the walls.
We knew we had a long, hard day ahead of us so we were happy campers when our guides successfully negotiated a 7am breakfast for us (vs the posted 8am for other guests). Snack table goodies and then off to see what lay ahead. I found the first 20 miles or so fairly mellow. A headwind, but not too strong just yet. There was beautiful light this morning and wonderful expansive views. It was interesting to note the differences from one side of the road to the other. On our left were more trees and agricultural land. I’m pretty sure that was the result of the North Platte River flowing out there somewhere. Here are some pics from the early part of the ride.
After the first SAG stop at 20 miles, the wind came a bit stronger and the hills a bit bigger. There was one big climb at about 30 miles. Here was the sign at the top. I was getting pretty excited that I might be able to actually get into my big ring for the descent. Be careful what you wish for! The crosswinds were so strong that I was really getting thrown around. Not too often that I get aerodynamic (to present less surface to the wind) and apply the brakes (to maintain some control) at the same time! I had to do that on a few downhills today.
Cy had the van and trailer waiting at about 36 miles. I think she probably filled up the van with women who didn’t feel comfortable riding any more. Filling the van was the easy part; securing the bikes on the roof of the van in that wind was the life-threatening part.
Just past that I came upon a cattle drive. There seemed to be an inordinate proportion of cowboys/cowgirls to cattle; maybe a dude ranch outing?
The sky was amazing all day. Brilliant blue first thing this morning. Scattered puffy clouds that you felt you could almost reach out and touch. Then later in the day, storm clouds moving all around and a few times opening up over top of me. So much wind all day, though, that the sky was constantly changing.
At 45 miles we said goodbye to Windy Wyoming and hello to Colorful (and just as windy) Colorado. Oh - and goodbye to any type of shoulder on the road.
Traffic was still pretty light for a while but once we turned this corner both the traffic and the winds seemed to pick up. I had to get off the bike in a few places because I was just getting tossed around too much.
Next up - crossing the Canadian River at 57 miles. Underwhelming.....
At 58 miles was the hamlet of Cowdrey. In this stretch I was in and out of rain showers a few times. I just happened to pull over here to take my jacket off one last time. Good thing there wasn’t a fire! I'm not sure what type of vehicle would have come out of that garage to run me over.
I was a very happy camper to finally see the Welcome to Walden sign, although the final insult was that there was a slight uphill all the way through town to our hotel. Birthday dinner for Kim tonight, as well as margaritas for crossing the state line. I’m pooped!
Stats for the day:
Saratoga WY to Walden CO
108 km. 67 miles.
4271 feet up. 2958 feet down.
Temp: 14C to 25C. Winds weren’t too bad for early in the ride, but built through the day.
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