Day 25 Craig to Kremmling

This one was tougher than I thought. I'm at the library in Kremmling right now, about 4 PM. I start sweep duties as soon as I get to camp, ie helping set out and serve supper.

Today's ride can basically be broken into 3 sections:

The first part was an 84 klm (50 mi) slight uphill to a town called Steamboat Springs. It's a neat little town on the bottom of the mountain. Ski slopes in sight, new construction everywhere (which blends in masterfully with the original older buildings ie lots of brick work). Very touristy. This part was OK except the wind was not in our favour, which knocks speed down by at least 5 k per hour and makes you work harder for it to boot.

The middle section was a 12 k (7 mi) grind up hill. Not quite like Teskey Way but close. Then there was a bit of a top, or a false top, with a subsequent up and down climb for the next 10 k (6 mi). The scenery was great though, kind of like Manning, or Whistler. A bluer sky I've never seen.

Then the last 50 or so k (30 mi) was mostly downhill. That was good except the winds were again against us. Also, the shoulders on the road were about 4" wide. Literally non-existent. Not good for a highway.

Stopped at the grocery store for a choco milk and Tony V, Barb M, and John V were already there, also muttering about the shoulders. Then young Brad G rolled in and said it was the hardest day he's had. Well, we'll have supper shortly and a good shower will do wonders. Tomorrow is our shortest day distance wise, only 35 miles. Uphill grade, but nothing serious I don't think.

Bottom line today: 160 k (100 mi), 7:00 on the saddle (my longest yet I think), avg speed 22.9 kph (13.8 mph)

btw, a church we passed in Craig had our wedding text on it's sign, Psalm 37:4. Nice memory of a wonderful event of 25 years ago! How did they know?