A steady gradual 56 mile uphill day today following the Colorado and Eagle River to Avon. Great temperature and the blue skies made it a great day to turn back towards our home.
Leaving the Starlight Motel near the heart of Glenwood Springs at 8:15 ready to see what the day held for us.
About half way up Glenwood Canyon Angela spotted this American flag atop a +1,000 high peak rising above the Colorado River on the other side. Who and how the heck did they climb up that peak and install what looks like a 20’ tall flag pole strong enough to to withstand the winds in the canyon? If you look closely at the flag blowing in the wind, now having turned our ride to the east we have an easterly headwind today. The cycling gods are fickle for sure!
Nearing the Shoshone Hydro plant where the Colorado is its most violent in the canyon, it was hard to be heard over the roar but we managed a quick selfie and were on our way.
The Interstate though Glenwood Canyon was given the name the Grand Boulevard and is one of the most celebrated sections of the US Interstate system. What makes it special for me is the amazing natural back drop of the canyon and the amazing architecture, engineering and construction challenges that went into building the road way. The effect of the highway, the railway and the canyon contrasting on each other in such a complementary way are fabulous and are best appreciated from the bike path which in itself is very special.
Out of the Glenwood Canyon now and approaching the town of Gypsum Ang is signaling to see if I want to stop in the shade of this roadside put-in for the Eagle River. 20+ miles into the ride, the morning is still fresh and so are we. Ride on I say!!
We didn’t take many breaks today but about 5 miles away from our hotel for the night we spot a Starbucks along the route that we have frequented several times on past bike rides. It was an easy decision on a warm, sunny afternoon.
Continuing on with the food theme, Angela smiles over 3 fresh made donuts she chose for desert with a warmed raspberry sauce. Ummm, the perks of riding a bike all day!
And for those looking for an elevation profile for the day it was a pretty steady but gradual climb up to Avon with a 2,900 feet of climbing overall. Tomorrow we take on Vail Pass from the west.
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