Day 44 Salida - Colorado - 49 miles - Total 2462 miles

Arkansas River
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Wow!!!

Thats all i kept saying to myself, all day today.

Again, the dread of the task ahead, was not necessary, as the 1704 ft climb, was hardly noticeable, except for a couple of times, within the last 19 miles into Salida. For the rest of the day, we were just riding along, with the Arkansas River to the right, and towering Rocky Mountains to the left.

Yesterday i had estimated 7-8 hours to do the trip comfortably, and i wasn't far out, but i had based that on long climbs, with rest/regroup beaks. It actually took us nearly that long, simply because we kept on stopping to take photos, (Unfortunately due to tecnical problems with the camera, ie, my big fat finger hitting a button it shouldn't have, all of my pics for today are under exposed. It is something i will probably be able to rectify when i am home, but for now, i'm afraid you will have to believe me when i say the views were amazing!).

Name and Shame!
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We had agreed on an 8 o'clock start, and so,i responded to my 6.30 alarm call, by turning over and snuggling in, coz it was 10 degrees outside! Forcing myself to face the day, i emerged, blearily eyed into a bright, and fresh, mountain landscape, bathed a golden beige by the newborn Sun. But clouds were not far away, and soon they came together for meeting between the Sun and us, bringing their friends with them, causing a nuisance, until the Sun gave up, and went to brighten someone else's day.

At 7036 Feet
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Rob emerged from his tent, and soon had his own personal cloud, as he discovered he was the victim of a Texas Tack Attack, and had a rare flat tire. (Note:- I thought i would do some research, to confirm the name of this plant that produces these nasty little, burrs, that dry into nail hard bits of mischief, and (literally) pain, when you step on one. I was amazed and amused to find that it is properly known as 'Puncturevine' !), these things are every where in this area,and are a real problem, not just for cyclists, who have to avoid riding anywhere 'off road', but also for farmers, as they harm the grazing livestock if they digest them. Having found one lightly attached to one of my tires, and several in the bottom of my sandals, I thought it prudent for me to carry my bike to the entrance, from where we set off at 9.15.

The day started with a decent of the other side of the hill we had labored up last night, and i was glad,of the fact i had three layers on, as well as 'fingered' gloves under my riding ones.....

Time for bed, got a hard day tomorrow, still to come for this report:-

More about the landscape, The blood of Christ, Snow, Humming birds, Heart attack on a Plate, and Rob gets another flat,Bye for now!

Elevation:- 7036 Feet

Distance Today:- 49 miles

Total for Trip:- 2462.98

Average Speed:- 11.8 mph

Maximum Speed:- 31.5 mph

Time:- 4 hrs 07 mins

Start to Finish Time:- 7 hrs 45 mins

Temperature at Start:- 16/60 degrees (125/55 @ 1pm)

Humidity at Start:- 56% (30% @ 1pm)