JUNE 25 SCENIC RIDE TO PUEBLO

We loaded luggage at 6:00 am and pedaled off to the Pancake Patio in Salida for breakfast. It was another chilly morning so we wore our windbreakers and leg warmers or tights--these to be set aside at the first SAG stop.

The ride today was 96 miles to Pueblo, CO on Route 50. We dropped 2200 ft in altitude over the course of the day. After yesterday's climb we liked that.

Leaving the Rockies behind

The mood was particularly upbeat, as we were heading for a rest day in Pueblo. I rode with Joe (TX), Joyce (ME), John (MA), and Tim and Kathryn (ME).

Rt. 50 from Salida to Cañon City, is designated a "Scenic Byway." What an UNDERSTATEMENT! I don't think one could find a more stunningly beautiful and captivating stretch of roadway anywhere. National Geographic would be hard pressed to capture its natural beauty. As we rode single file through the deep rock canyons and ranch lands on this 2 lane road, there was often quiet as we took in the scope of our surroundings. We seemed to speak only to say, "WOW!" or "Look at THAT!"....and of course, "car back, car back," warning each other of cars approaching from the rear. We stopped at a pasture where several horses grazed. The unquestionable leader of the pack approached us, as did the others. They came close, but were suddenly spooked and galloped off. The leader kicking up his heels and running zig-zag like you see with young colts. Just playing!

Frisky horses at play

We saw a couple of mountain goats that had come down from the rock ledges to feed on the grass near the road. They too ran off--almost straight up the rock cliff--to another group of goats, including young, higher up the ledge.

When leaving Salina, we followed the headwaters of the Arkansas River. This relatively small run-off river gained volumn and intensity over the next 50 miles to the point where it became a white water recreation center. Numerous rafting expeditions set off from the river banks as we passed by on our bikes. It was a photographer's dream setting. You couldn't get enough. We were in no hurry despite the long distance we had to cover. We knew we were leaving the Rockies....and we savored the moments.

We stopped for lunch at a diner in Cañon City. From that point on the ride changed dramatically. The highway became 4 lanes, traffic got heavy, the landscape was flat and brown, and the mountains were behind us. Black clouds appeared off to the north--headed our way. The wind picked up substantially. We knew we had to out run the storm. It was a heads down hard pull 30 mile ride to Pueblo over a rolling landscape. We were not looking at scenery, we were knocking down miles. Tiring! It was mainly Joyce and I covering together these last miles. She is a remarkable biker who trained under the Chris Carmichael School method (Lance's coach). It showed. We reached the motel just ahead of the rain.

We are not the only "guests" in Pueblo this weekend. Over 2000 souped-up hot rod cars (and their drivers) have gathered here for a show at the Colorado State Fairgrounds. We have seen these cars for days on the highways, all appear to be in A-1 condition.

GoaTEE GoaTEE!

Four of our biking crew leave us today. They have completed the "Western States" tour. All the best to our buddies: Jeff, Willie, Fred and Jim. God speed.

Jeff and Tom - Father/Son Team

Tomorrow is a rest day. It is most welcome!

         - Bill

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