TA 2 - September 25

Well, well - what to say about today......  I believe Cy used the word “desolate” when describing the ride today. I would have to agree. I didn’t stop for many pictures, but I think this one sums it up.

We had a bit of an earlier start this morning due to the length of the ride and the anticipated heat. It took about 6 miles to get out of town. A bit of a convoluted route of bike paths and side streets.  A group of 5 followed me and luckily we didn’t miss any turns. We were then on a highway for about 10 miles. Anytime we’re on a highway we run the risk of bits of wire from shredded truck tires ending up in our tires and causing a flat. Sure enough, one of our group had a flat so four of us made pretty quick work of the repair.

At some point I thought I should stop and take a picture. I heard a train whistle, and thought one might be coming but no such luck. So - just a picture of our typical views this morning.

Up until about 40 miles we had favourable winds. The forecast had called for that to change around 11am, and at about 10:50 I noticed that indeed we had lost our tailwind. The SAG and van had stopped in the shade in the village of Olney Springs. Nice!  Time for lunch and mentally adjusting to the idea of riding into a building headwind for the next 40 miles.  Since Olney Springs is on the Trans Am route, they are very welcoming to cyclists.

One thing that there is in abundance in this part of Colorado is Correctional Facilities, aka prisons. We were in one town a few days ago (Cañon City, I think) that apparently has 13 prisons. We continue to see them regularly on our route. I guess land is cheap out here.

The day went on, the headwinds picked up, the pavement deteriorated into chip seal, and the temperature continued to rise. Oh - and a bunch of dogs gave chase shortly after lunch. Thankfully Annette found a nice shady spot (albeit with a strong aroma of cow manure) for SAG #3 at about 60 miles.

I couldn’t help but notice the huge number of beer cans and liquor bottles discarded by the side of the roads. I’m sure it’s just from passengers, though. You don’t think the drivers would be drinking, do you?  As we came into La Junta we passed this small shack. Great; let’s make it even easier for them.

Also - as we came into La Junta we crossed the Arkansas River once again. I don’t know what the story is, but it’s looking like it could use a bit more water.  It is the sixth-longest river in the US and a major tributary of the Mississippi.  

Finally - into our hotel for the night. Check-in was delayed for a bit as one of the motel tenants whom we displaced was removed from the premises. In addition, the motel desk clerk seemed overwhelmed with the prospect of housing us all. It’s not an “epic” unless you get one or two Bates Motels along the way but rumour has it that there are much better choices within a few miles. Some of the rooms were totally uninhabitable and those women were moved to a different hotel. All things considered my room wasn’t too bad, but we have been assured that WomanTours will not ever be staying there again.

Stats for the day:
Pueblo CO to La Junta CO
138 km. 85 miles.
970 feet up. 1751 feet down.
Temp:  14 C to 34C. Headwinds came up for the second half and gradually got worse as we went.