Short update tonight, now feeling shattered, long long days, made longer today by passing the Mountain Time Zone point, neck hurts, shoulders hurts, wrists hurt a lot, backside held together by Melpilex dressings, sun baked and generally fatigued, oh and the bronchitis is still there and proving itself in the mountains.
The day started early, out of the second worst Motel we've stayed in and right onto Highway 36 without breakfast or a strong coffee, just a water and a gel, for the short 15 miles ride to the State border and into Colorado, it was a big moment, something that we'd been chasing for some time, if not from day 1. The terrain and landscape doesn't change immediately but there is something inside that drives you on as you get nearer to the Rockies.
Over 100 miles ridden in high temperatures before having to jump into the support car to driven into and through Denver, there is no way on earth that you could ride through the city, safely or in time to head into the mountains and onto Kremmling. Again, due to Motel accommodation we had already cut our final destination short to stay in the small town of Hot Sulphur Springs just 20 miles short of Kremmling, which we will catch up on in the morning as we head along Highway 40 towards and on through Kremmling to Dinosaur (this is the real name of our destination).
The afternoon started well riding North out of Denver and over the 10 mile ascent of Coal Creek, the final stage then became more difficult with a complete road closure over the final Pass from Rossville, there was no option other than to diver, no other route West, so the route continued South back to the bottom of the large valley and into the support car for a stretch West on Interstate 70. After that there was another 14 mile ascent over Berthoud Falls (climb) and Second Creek, back in the car on the long descent again due to endless roadworks (it seems the norm out here to complete roadworks in summer months during the good weather and to be clear ahead of the winter months and skiing season).
After very long days following the flat sun baked route of Highway 36 through Kansas it was a real pleasure to move into Colorado and the Rockies. And (I know we talk about our accommodation with a passion) it is an absolute pleasure to be in the very hospitable, clean, welcoming, friendly, quiet etc etc etc etc Canyon Motel in the small town of Hot Sulphur Springs, an absolute delight after the last four days, just what the cycling doctor ordered, it's a pity it's only an overnight stop en route to Dinosaur and the next State border of Utah, they seem to come thick and fast.
Tomorrow is an early(ish) start for the rider, a well earned morning off for the driver) and what promises to be a hard but beautiful day of riding through the Rockies, there is around 3,000 feet of climbing in the morning and after that generally flat, although still high altitude, fingers crossed for a good day all round!
(As with the earlier Tweet, British Cycling have donated a signed Team Sky and GB jersey, to be auctioned towards the fundraising, was quite overwhelmed by this, it should given the fundraising a healthy boots when we're back in the UK and able to progress this).
Still on the road, enjoying Colorado, and one step nearer to Utah........)
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