JUNE 21 CROSSING INTO COLORADO

"If the wind had been at our backs, we would have been in by noon," has been one of the most frequently heard comments among our group. None of us have yet experienced a tailwind. My biggest concern anticipating today's ride was the heat, as yesterday at noon it was 97 degrees in this desert region. Today, cloud cover kept the heat in check, but we had some wind in our face all morning.

It was a long day on the bike---94 miles from Green River, UT across the border into Grand Junction, COLORADO, "the Oasis of the Grand Valley" (isn't it amazing that all towns have their slogans?). We experienced 3150 feet of elevation gain as we rode the whole day in the bike lane of I-70. We also have some great downhills each day....I don't want to leave the impression that all we do is climb.

Mike, Mason, John and Joe entering Colorado

There was not much beauty in the desert landscape today. Leaving Green River we had the Bookcliff Mts to the North; named by their similarity to books stacked on a shelf, and we could see the red-rock formations of Arches National Park way off in the distant South. As we entered Colorado and Mesa county ("Mesa, Mountains, Memories") we saw the colorful ridge of mesas running parallel to the highway.

I had not previously mentioned that I was the only biker not to have a flat tire. With over 60 flats in the group so far, I felt lucky. I was telling the boys today about the kevlar strip I have between the tire and the tube on my bike and how it had to be preventing flats. POW!, flat tire in the front. John (ME) helped me fix that. Two miles later, POW!, flat tire in the rear. Thanks again, John for your help. I'm just one of the gang now.

Sign on I-70

Entering Grand Junction, we rode along the bank of the Colorado River. The Rockies do not yet appear menacing, but we can see them, and we know that over the next several days they will challenge us.

I have mentioned that Joe (TX) rides a recumbent bike, sitting in a seat that looks as comfortable as a reclining chair. Uncomfortable after 94 miles on my conventional bike seat, Joe said, "You know what we recumbent riders call your conventional bike seats? Ass Hatchets!" I thought that was right on the mark today.

Joe on his recumbent bike

The contests and award presentations continue: goatee contest, spring chicken award, nick names etc. It's fun! My white goatee is no longer "a starter" and I look like a homeless bum--but so does everyone else. I am staying with it for awhile...unless the Salvation Army picks me up.

         - Bill

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