Day 22 Salt Lake City to Duchesne

Today is our last full day in Utah, as tomorrow we cross into Colorado. Fred is on sweep today, and at 6 PM is still out there somewhere.

I headed out on my own at 7:30. There are plenty of cyclists on the road to pass or be passed by or cycle with though. We didn't really know what was in store for us today elevation wise, just that there would be a mountain pass and a net decline in elevation of about 1200'.

So the first 10 k (6 mi) was a continuation of Saturday's descent. Then it was a left on to UT32 which ran counter parallel to that first 10 k and was pure uphill for 7 k (4 mi). After that it was just a gradual climb for a while, then more serious until the 50 k (30 mi) spot where Walter was. The scenery was pretty good though. Kind of like Manning Park or the Okanagon. More pine trees etc in the mountains instead of sage brush.

The next 10 k (6 mi) were pretty tough going, a steady 8% grade. The sign at the peak showed our elevation to be 9453'! Crazy! Then we had a good descent, but a head wind kept my speed down somewhat.

By the time I hit Cory and his SAG wagon at the 120 k (72 mi) mark, I was pretty bagged. Should've eaten more on route. I guess I need Fred to tell me when to stop and take a break.
The next 30 k were alright though after eating at Cory's SAG.

I did cycle with a number of different people in the after noon, and at times had a good line going.

I got some good pictures I think. (should show up on Fred M's blog) That's Lou Haveman hanging onto the gov't truck which was doing some spraying on the side of the road. I had a spill right after that picture as I didn't clip in my rt foot fast after stopping to take the picture. No speed on hill = loss of balance = laying on left side of body. Nothing serious.

Bottom line: 150 k (93 mi) in at 3:30, total cycling time of 6:30, avg speed 23.3 kph (14 mi). We're paying now for our easier days in the first few weeks. It was nice today in that the clouds were out so it didn't get hot at all, although it has cleared up now. We're staying at the Duchesne Fairgrounds tonight.

(6:30 now and people are still rolling in)