Taking whatever the road and weather gave me today I did 65 miles, all on I-70, to Fruita, CO. I left the Bordello around 6:15 and by 6:30 after I stocked up on food/water I was on the Interstate to Fruita where I arrived at 1pm.
On my way to the 7-11 to stock up for the 65 mile ride with no services.
Lots of clouds this morning, very atypical from what we’ve experienced on this trip.
Just me (and the clouds) again on the road riding into the morning sun.
More clouds and signs of rain to the south.
I-70 was pretty quiet throughout the morning. I had some really nice riding in excess of 20 MPH as the first 15 miles were downhill and the wind wasn’t a factor, yet.
At 40 miles I took my first real break at 10:15 and checked out a way to take Old US 6/US 50 which would mostly parallel I-70. However the old highway, what was left of it, was decomposing into gravel and pot holes. Riding it would have gotten me off the Interstate but it would cost me more than an hour due to slower speeds not to mention heart ache from the bumps and extra work put forth. Back to my 8’ wide Interstate shoulders. And I actually got sprinkled on while I ate my snacks here, the first time I’ve felt rain all trip!
At 10:50 I break through the Colorado state line. 3 states behind me and one more to get to the middle of!! I’m a happier boy now, in spite of the headwinds I’ve been facing.
About 15 miles shy of Fruita Len quickly pulls over in front of me and offers two bottles of iced cold water to replace my piss warm fluids! He, Chris and their 8 yr old grandson Liam, were on there way back home to Dillon. It was a very thoughtful action by Len and made the last hot and hard miles into Fruita more bearable. Thanks Len!!
The mighty Colorado River, at least mighty during the winter snow melt, on its way to try to fill Lake Powell.
My first stop at the Fruita exit was to stop at the first gas station and suck down a chocolate milk, probably the most satisfying post ride treat I could have. It quenched most of my thirst and hunger and it allowed me to skip lunch and check directly into the motel. 
After hot tubbing, showering, and catching up with friends my next stop was the Happy Hour at El Tapitio. I started off with a big Mexican Gatorade. The meal was tasty, I ate it all, and waddled back to my hotel room to write this blog and drift off into a deep sleep, ready for another day heading east into Colorado towards my home tomorrow.
Looks like good times out there! I agree with you that chocolate milk is the drink of the gods. Whether it's consumed at the end of the ride or is motivation for battling whatever is between me and the next convenience store, it is a reward worth working for. Keep it up, Scott!
ReplyDeleteThanks Kevin, it’s magic.
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