Mon 28th June to 5th July - Highlights

Photo's - Sorry these are out of order, organising them on the Blog seems to be not that simple....I'll have a go later; after my bike ride!! They do relate to this part of the ride though (spot the bear!). Photos to be added to other Blogs later.

Comment - This is the last posting and takes the blog up to the end of the ride at the Canadian border. Apologies for the absence of updates recently; as reported previously, it has been difficult to make the updates since we switched from hotel accommodation to the campervan.

Mon 28th June - Dubois to Grant Village - Yellowstone Park (7754'). 104miles, 15.5mph ave, 6.37.53 ride time, 5135' climbed. The days ride started with a ride up Togwotee Pass which topped out at 9658'. On the way down we were transported through a 1 1/2 mile section of road works on the back of a pick-up truck. This was on the insistence of the traffic controllers for safety reasons. We were then unsupported until Grand Teton National Park owing to the ladies having been delayed due to the discovery of a Bead Shop in Dubois! We eventually met up with the ladies at the entrance to the Grand Teton National Park and then again later at the entrance to Yellowstone Park at which point they were relaxing at a lovely spot by the river. The scenery through the Grand Teton and into Yellowstone Parks was nothing short of spectacular....the best ride ever. We also crossed the Continental Divide again within Yellowstone before settling down for night at an amazing forrest site at Grant Village.

Tue 29th June - Grant Village. Rest day for sight seeing with the ladies so no cycling today...the only non-cycling day on the whole trip. The four of us took a bus tour of the lower loop of Yellowstone Park which took the entire day. Many geothermal sites were visited including Old Faithful, the most famous geyser in the world. Much wild life was also observed including bison, elk and numerous other fury animals.

Wed 30th June - Grant Village to West Yellowstone (6763'). 53miles, 18mph ave, 2.58.37 ride time, 1555' climbed. The day started with another fantastic ride through the South West corner of Yellowstone and gave us another chance to visit some of the many amazing geothermal sites on this stretch of road missed on the previous day. It was only a short day in the saddle so allowed us time to indulge ourselves in visiting these extraordinary sites. Although the ride started in the rain the weather soon improved. More bison and other wildlife were observed on our way to the highlight of the day, the Grand Prismatic Spring at Midway Geyser Basin. As we left the park we saw elk by the Madison River and a juvenile bald eagle sat on the edge of its nest. There was also plenty of fly fishing going on and one guy caught a 10" brown trout as we rode past. West Yellowstone was vibrant tourist town on the outside of the park and we once again met up with the three cyclists from Ohio we met earlier in the ride.

Thu 1st July - West Yellowstone to Twin Bridges (4507'). 125miles, 19mph ave, 6.24.11 ride time, 3211' climbed. We were treated to a tail wind and relatively flat roads for the first part of this days ride, at least until we reached our first coffee and cake stop cafe. As we sat sipping our coffee we were able to watch the 'Ride Across America' go by. One guy, a nice Dutch man called Tom, had stopped for refreshment and was riding this event on a recumbent (one of those wacky machines where you lie back on it and are generally ridden by cyclist that are la ittle on the eccentric side!). The tour starts in the west at Seattle and rides across to the east coast. We also met a young chap that was cycling from Jackson (South Jackson Basin) to Missoula over four days to meet his girl friend! One amazing site en-route was 'Earthquake Lake', formed (as the name suggests) by an earthquake causing a land slide that blocked the river back in 1959. We only had one significant climb that involved 2400' of ascent. We then met the ladies again in Virginia City toward the bottom of the climb on the other side and indulged ourselves in the most amazing milk shake ever. We did have a couple short thunderstorms to ride through and unfortunately I had two further rear wheel punctures this day.

Fri 2nd July - Twin Bridges to Wisdom (6041'). 93miles, 15mph ave, 6.07.56 ride time, 4216' climbed. We stopped for our first cafe break at Dillon and met a guy called Dave who was riding a road bike with a fixed trailed loaded with enough kit to keep him going for eight months and 8000miles! The ladies then indulged themselves in a dip in the Jackson Hot Springs. It was a hard day in the saddle as the majority of the 93miles was spent ridding into a fierce head wind and included two passes, Badger Pass @ 6700' and Big Hole Pass @ 7360', but we still arrived at the campsite before the ladies (still in the hot spring!) so sat in the only cafe drinking coffee in the 'one-horse-town' as we awaited their arrival.

Sat 3rd July - Wisdom to Missoula (3181'). 122miles, 18mph ave , 6.44.47 ride time, 2077' climbed. The day started with a long steady climb that got steeper as we approached the summit of Chief Joseph Pass @ 7241' then descended a little to the junction and summit of the Lost Trail Pass near to the Idaho border where we met the ladies for refreshment in the RV. The camp site in Missoula was very pleasant and, for the first time since Denver, were not plagued with mosquito's. I was getting pretty fed up with punctures so bought a new tyre for the rear wheel as we passed through the small town of Hamilton. Result; no more punctures after this point in the ride! Missoula is the HQ for the American Adventure Cycling organisation who had provided some excellent maps for the trip....unfortunately they were closed by the time we arrived.

Sun 4th July - Missoula to Swan Lake (3130'). 114miles, 18mph ave, 6.14.17 ride time, 2441' climbed. Yet again, the day started with a long steady climb. This was Independence Day so we encountered celebrations en-route, particularly at Seeley Lake where we had lunch in a really nice town cafe. There were stalls-a-plenty to keep the ladies busy but it was the Quilting shop that received the greatest accolade. We had a final stop at a cafe in Condon before descending to Swan Lake into a mere zephyr of a wind. The campsite was a nice forrest site with only limited facilities.

Mon 5th July - Swan Lake to Roosville - Canadian Border (2728'). 111miles, 17mph ave, 6.46.17 ride time, 2291' climbed. THE FINAL DAY! Our first refreshment stop of the day was at Creston then lunch later by the road side in the RV. Our final break was in a nice cafe in Eureka only c.15miles south of the Canadian border. However, as we set off for the FINAL short ride to the border the heavens opened the result of which was Derek and I arriving very wet and cold (the temperature had dropped to 10C. The ladies were at the border awaiting the arrival of two elated and proud cyclists from Yorkshire who had ridden over 2500miles over the five weeks fro the Mexican border. Many a photo was taken before we set off for the RV site 1 1/2 miles back up the road. The views were amazing from the campsite at this remote location and we were fortunate to have nice 'atmospheric' restaurant *The Trappers Saloon) only a short walk away to celebrate our achievement.

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!

Wed 23rd June to Sun 27th June - Highlights

Wed 23rd June - Denver to Wolford (Kremlin) (7523'). 27.4miles, 17.8mph ave, 1.30.28 ride time, 846' climbed. These stats are for where we resumed riding near to Dillon after picking up the RV with Rhonda and Lesley. On our drive back to the cycle route we passed Loveland Pass again at c. 12,000'...more photos were taken; this time with all four of us present. The ladies thought it was great. Just after reaching Dillon we were kicked out of the RV to ride to our first camp site...with Rhonda at the wheel of the 28' RV!! We battled a fearsome headwind to the site but all was well on arrival, apart from the mosquito's which proceeded to eat all but Rhonda alive!! However, the site enjoyed wonderful views over the nearby lake....from inside the van!

Thur 24th June - Wolford to Riverside (7199'). 104miles, 18.5mph ave, 5.47.14 ride time, 3777' climbed. This was a long day but for the first 50miles we averaged 19mph due to a welcome tail wind. The ride was beautiful and undulating for the whole day and a number of deer sightings were made en-route. The last 20 miles (when most tired) was tough though as we rode into an increasingly strong head wind. The support en-route from the ladies in the RV was much appreciated and everything was connected up at the campsite on our arrival. The site was next to the river and had much welcome shade. During the ride we had passed three cyclists carrying all their camping kit. only a few words were exchanged as we passed but later they turned up on our campsite. Two of them were University Professors and one was the nephew of one of the Prof's. They were riding from El Passo to Canada then on to Spokane before flying home. A nice meal was enjoyed in the Bear Trap over the road.

Fri 25th June - Riverside to Rawlins (6795'). 60miles, 17.5mph ave, 3.25.07 ride time, 1245' climbed. The ride started, well almost, with a puncture. A quick change of tyre and tube and we were away. This was a short day in the saddle so we arrived at Rawlins by midday. The site itself was okay but sandwiched between a freeway, a railway and the industrial town of Rawlins. We made the most of it though stocking up with provisions before escaping from the heat and sitting down to a reasonable Mexican meal for dinner.

Sat 26th June - Rawlins to Lander (5339'). 127miles, 16mph ave, 7.47.13 ride time, 2277' climbed. This was the toughest day so far. First part of the ride was okay but the roads were then relatively flat but into a strong headwind. Apart from the wind we were treated to the first rain (thunderstorm) since Cortez. The three 'RV' stops were very welcome. Lander was an interesting town and boasted a highly recommended burger joint called Gannets Grill where we dinned with the Ohio trio we met at Riverside. Unfortunately the mossies were out in force yet again.

Sun 27th June - Lander to Dubois (6987'). 75miles, 15.5mph ave, 4.54.00 ride time, 2519' climbed. This ride was nearly all up hill but had amazing scenery. We caught the three Ohio guys on the road and had a leisurly ride with them for a short while and enjoyed one RV stop for a nice lunch. Dubois was a fabulous Cowboy town with lot of interesting buildings and artifacts.
Rhonda and Lesley say Sunday not a good day for shopping!!

Out of time now - more later

Sun 20th June to Tue 22nd June - Highlights

Sun 20th June - Salida to Fairplay (9888'). 58.6miles, 16mph ave, 3.50.47 ride time, 3533' climbed. Oooh, fathers day so monster pancakes at Buena Vista en-route to celebrate...then the long climb over Trout Creek Pass (9346') with a full belly! Down a bit then up to the highest 'sleeping' point for the entire trip. The road was very busy so not a lot of fun but the 'Any Pizza for $10' deal at the local Pizza Hut compensated a little.

Mon 21st June - Fairplay to Frisco ( 9049'). 83.7miles, 17mph ave, 4.52.52 ride time, 3226' climbed. I started the day with a 6.30am run; thought it would be interesting to see what it is like to run up-hill starting at c. 10,000ft...not easy is the answer but then it was my first run in weeks!! A 30min run was sufficient to prove this! Although already high up the days ride started straight up hill and climbed Hoosier Pass the summit of which was only 12miles from Fairplay and at 11,539ft was another record for us. A long descent then took us through the ski resort of Breckonridge and on to Frisco. This was meant to be a short ride ie only 32miles to Frisco, but we decided it would be a good idea to go and check out the route for where we will returning to on Wednesday in the RV (large motorhome). We ended up riding part of Wednesday's route then back to Frisco adding c. 50miles to the days ride. At least there will be fewer miles to ride on our first day with the ladies on Wednesday!

Tue 22nd June - Frisco to Denver (5414'). 93.5miles, 15mph ave, 6.12.50 ride time, 5421' climbed. What an eventful day! We started with a nice ride around the lake at Frisco before starting our assault of the highest climb for the entire trip. Loveland Pass, another pass on the Great Divide (Continental Divide) rises to a whopping 11,990ft. It was a wonderful climb as much of the traffic is taken by the Interstate 70 making this the most quiet of the passes ridden so far. Because the climb was so close to 12,000ft Derek and I walked the extra 10ft (+) up the hill side to hit the magic 12,000ft. The scenery and views riding up and at the top were breathtaking. Another bonus was being overtaken on the climb by a chain of Morgans...one of which, like me, was flying the Union Jack. When I got the top I was surrounded by the cars occupants like I was some kind of celebrity. Sadly, they had gone by the time Derek arrived at the top. The long descent to Denver then commenced where we were to meet Rhonda and Lesley, who were flying in from the UK, at a hotel near to the RV rental place. One challenge was trying to navigate our way from the top of Loveland to Denver without spending too much time on the I70 (freeway!!). For the first time on the trip, we went a little wrong a few times and the long route down ended up being more challenging than expected. Our problems were exacerbated by Derek braking a spoke in his rear wheel and buckling it badly necessitating freeing off the brake blocks to stop them binding. We needed to replace wheel asap but the first two bike shops we found were closed. However, we managed to limp into Denver where we found a suitable bike shop near to the hotel and a new rear wheel later and we were on our way again arriving at the hotel at c. 6pm. Just enough time to shower, change and update the Blog before Rhonda and Lesley arrive....can't wait to see them.

After tonight we will be staying on camp-sites so not sure how easy it will be to update the Blog...we will see.

Tue 15th June to Sat 19th June Highlights

Tue 15th June - Cortez to Telluride (8829'). 75.7miles, 15mph ave, 5.10.46 ride time, 5000' climbed. This day was amazing; we climbed to the highest altitude ever on a bike, met some really nice people and rode through the most breathtaking scenery you could imagine. On our approach to the the Lizard Heads Pass which tops-out at 10,222' we met a lovely British couple (Mal and Helen) who have lives in Perth (Australia) for the last 15yeas and before that Singapore. They were cycling the Great Divide, south to north and off- road with camping kit in c. three months! They had their god-son (Andrew) and an American couple with them for some of the ride. before the pass started properly we all met up for lunch at Rico where we met a couple of girls that were riding across America from San Fransisco to the east coast; again, camping over c. three months. When we arrived at the top of the pass we met a couple of American cyclists (Ken and John) and had a good ol' chat before setting off down the other side and on to Telluride; so named after the element Tellurinium which is often found where gold and silver are to be found. Apparently, there are over 350miles of tunnels in the mountain where these metals were mined. A free cable car (gondola) ride over to Mountain Village resulted in Derek getting bitten by an insect and, unfortunately, his hand became quite badly swollen. More on this tomorrow.

Wed 16th June - Telluride to Montrose (5890'). 68.5miles, 19mph ave, 3.34.40 ride time, 2110' climbed. They day started with a ride then a walk up the lower slopes of the mountain to the Bridle Vail Falls (1600')....very impressive. However on returning to the bikes I had another puncture and a combination lock that wouldn't open! (it looked like someone might have tampered with the lock). I managed to sort these minor issues out then returned to the hotel where Derek had gone ahead to check us out. However, the swelling had got worse so a visit to the Telluride Medical centre followed where a course of antibiotics were prescribed...good thing Derek is well insured as it was rather expensive. We then eventually set off, initially in to a head wind, but then turned to have the wind blow us over the Dallas divide and onto Montrose which c. 3100' lower; hence the high average speed for the day.

Thur 17th June - Montrose to Gunnison (7491'). 75miles, 14.5mph ave, 5.11.25 ride time, 6254' climbed!! This was the biggest 'climbing day so far. We took a 12mile detour to visit the Black Canyon of Gunnison which involved a long ascent to the National Park viewing area. This canyon is nearly 3000' deep and less than 1000' across...hence 'The Black Canyon' as little light can penetrate. The history was mind boggling; because of its geologically and its exploration. The early pioneers tried to build a railway though but couldn't get through, then they managed to cut a 5mile tunnel through by hand and with dynamite to allow the water to irrigate the Uncompahgre Valley rendering it fertile. The local eating house to the hotel in Gunnison called the 'Trough' then had a bit of a suprise when Derek and I both polished of a double order of burger (with some salad!), chips and a Bud-Light. Well at $6 and a large appetite it seemed the right thing to do!!

Fri 18th June - Gunnison to Salida (7048'). 70mile, 15.5mph ave, 4.27.03 ride time, 3424' climbed. The ride was flat with one monster climb towards the end over Monach Pass. This was another record altitude on a bike at 11,313'. At least this time there was a cafe at the top (not usually the case in the Rockies) so after having a long chat with a guy called John, had some refreshment and then descended down to Salida. A visit to the local bike shop (Absolute Bikes) proved to be useful; the people there were helpful and friendly and gave us some tips on rides and routes (I bought a spare inner-tube as my supplies were dwindling somewhat!). Next to the bike shop flowed the River Arkansas and the town were hosting a huge white-water festival on it with some top paddlers in the world competing...very entertaining to watch.

Sat 19th June - Salida. 36miles, 15.5mph ave. 2.21.09 ride time..AND Max speed 50mph!! Not only was Salida hosting the white-water festival the 'Ride the Rockies' bike ride also finished in town. We started the day by riding up the Poncha Pass to 9010' where the rides final feed station was laid out. Derek rode back down to do some e-mailing and I rode most of the way down the other side, turned around and rode back following the route into the finish in Salida. This ride takes seven days and covers over 500miles of mountain roads...and only costs $350 to enter. One for the diary you cyclists out there. More fun watching people complete in the white water then followed as today was the last day of the festival with all the finals taking place.