Free and Easy Down the Road I Go

This was the day I had hoped for on Monday but rewarded with today. Although it had a rough start with me having my phone locked in a truck so I was unable to call an update into Grace FM(Sorry I'll try again tomorrow)I headed out into our overcast day with hope of a great ride. Today I just needed to be on my own. On the way out of town there was a sign. No Gas for 49miles. Actually there was nothing but desert for 49miles but I looked at it as -HEY in 49 miles I get to see something other than was wonderfully peaceful and allowed me to get lost in my head and process some of desert!


I set myself a reasonable pace and focused on enjoying my ride and my day. I the emotions of the last few days. 141kms of mountain style rolling "hills" but I was sure I could do it.
This area had recently had a wild fire.

It was my favourite ride yet and the sweep team didn't even catch up to me until about 2/3s of the ride was done...one of my personal bests. They were having a great time too and were more than willing to ride with me to the finish. We coasted into the "town" of Maybell and visited the local store...the only store.


They were so happy to have us pass by and Betsy, Sarah and I all bought Maybell T-shirts. Hey anyone can get a Denver CO t-shirt but the Maybell ones...well those are rare!
We watched a storm over the mountains as we settled into the last of our ride and sure enough the last 20miles hit us with a nasty head wind.
We passed this coal power plant just outside of town.

And found this little guy who looked a lot like our sweep leader Reuben.

Reuben filled the time with conversation about my opinion and attractiveness rating of men in spandex and shaven legs..apparently some informal research he is doing on the trip!
We braved it out and finished the day. No headache, no pain, no meds....Amen