SEPTEMBER 14, DAY 13

GRAND JUNCTION, CO to MONTROSE, CO : 120 MILES

The end is in sight!  5 days of riding left,  3 hard ones (between 110-120 miles) and  2 moderate ones (less than 100). Funny how I classify riding  anything less than  100 miles as moderate. I guess it's all just relative. 

Today we went 120 miles plus I went a few extra  (we call them "bonus" miles out here) since I took a wrong turn early in the morning. Good thing I discovered that sooner than later. 

I also   had my first flat on this tour at the12 mile mark which once again meant that I would be conquering  most of the day solo. I've done alot of training and riding solo so its not really about being  lonely however company is always enjoyable. The main thing is  when riding  with others in a group you   benefit from the pace line. [For those of you who don't know a pace line   is a group of skilled cyclists riding close behind one another in a line, so that each cyclist can draft the cyclist in front, except, of course for the leader, who is taking a turn to pull the rest of the group. The riders take turns pulling and drafting.] This process is a very efficient way of riding as those benefiting the draft  conserve up to  30% of their  energy; a little rest in essence, allowing one to ride longer, faster and harder than while solo. This is also why many races (i.e. triathlon penalize and disqualify for drafting)   

Bottomline, I got  to do all the work myself today. ugh!  

…. AND WE START THE DAY

There was one major climb today 12 miles long with a steady grade of 8 to 12% reaching an altitude of 10,850 feet. 

THE CLIMB BEGINS  THESE VIEWS  EASE SOME OF THE PAIN AND FATIGUE! 

THE SECOND TIER RIDGE SHOWS TODAY'S CLIMB 

Lunch entertainment was Rebecca, Lon and Susan Halderman's   Daughter who played the accordion. There are all kinds of surprises out here!  (Lon and Susan own PAC TOURS)

The descent was 35 miles long and very fast at 40 plus mph. The ride into Montrose was particularly scenic today; luscious  green fields and luminous fall-colored  trees  were a stark  change from the dry rocky landscape of the few days past. 

CHOCOLATE MILK ANYONE? BOY THAT SOUNDS GOOD! 

NICHOLE AND ME ON A TRAINING RIDE

Writing this blog with the help of one of my amazing daughters Nichole  (who also shares my love of riding)  is a really fun experience for me. 
Re-living  my story on a daily basis to share with you who are following my adventure is very rewarding. Thank you for reading and posting notes of encouragement on my facebook page! 


LIFE IS A BEAUTIFUL RIDE INDEED!!

Tomorrow on to Durango Colorado 120 miles with 3 steep climbs.

Today's miles 120
Total miles     1, 440 (average of 110 miles/day)
Today's  climbing 8000 feet
Total climbing  60500 feet

Max elevation today 10, 850 feet ( the air is thin and fresh up at that altitude! )