Sat 12th June - Montichello to Cortez (6321'). 61miles, 16mph ave, 3.46.05 ride time, 1731' climbed. Left early again to avoid bad weather forecast for later in the day...we were wrong! We set off at 7am in the first rain since we left home and boy was it cold; my computer recorded 6C at one point...what a shock after only a day or two after riding in temperatures in the 40's. A long stop at a cafe at Dove Creek (25miles ridden) for coffee and soup gave us the opportunity to dry out, warm up an for the rain to stop. A change of clothes and the application of additional layer and we were off again en-route to Cortez feeling a lot more comfortable. First port of call was the bike shop to get Derek's rear wheel fixed. However, they did not stock Campagnolo parts or 36 spoke rims. The only solution was to true the existing wheel the best they could. The wheel was returned running fairly true with one replacement spoke but with the spoke tension somewhat uneven; fingers crossed that it holds at least until Denver! On leaving the bike shop in pursuit of the hotel the heavens opened again...this time with hale stones! All was not lost though as the weather improved and we attended an entertaining evening at the 80th Ute Mountain Round-up Rodeo four miles out of town. Great fun but on arrival I had a slow puncture which meant riding the four miles back to the hotel out of the saddle to keep the weight off the back wheel.
Sun 13th June - Second day in Cortez. 70miles, 14mph ave, 5.04.17 ride time, 5367' climbed. The day was spent visiting the Mesa Verde National Park. Mesa Verde means Green Table in Spanish and is where the ancient Anasazi tribes lived in dwellings constructed under cliff overhangs called Puebloans. The cycling involved riding up on to the top off the plateau near to the Sleeping Ute Mountain riding up to 8400', much of which was on a very rough road awaiting re-surfacing. The scenery was electrifying and we managed to visit several well preserved Puebloan sights the first of which was 'Cliff Palace' where we met a lovely couple called Eric and Betty who were working as volunteer Rangers. They gave us lots of interesting information and useful advise. We rode around, and where necessary, walked to many amazing sights before the ride back over the mountain. It was nearly 6pm by the time we returned to the hotel having done the most climbing so far during our trip...but without the panniers to weigh us down!
Mon 14th June - Third day in Cortez. 28miles, 15.5mph ave, 1.50.28 ride time, 1263' climbed. This can be considered a recovery day ready for tomorrow when will be riding uphill for most of the day to over 10,000' for the first time! The days ride entailed an easy ride to Dolores c. 11miles away from the hotel followed by an interesting visit to the nearby Anasazi Heritage Centre and a short walk to the ruin of a Puebloan surface village and an 'overlook' for the McPhee Reservoir. After returning to the hotel we had a short visit to the Cortez Cultural Centre; the only attraction of note in the town.
Sun 13th June - Second day in Cortez. 70miles, 14mph ave, 5.04.17 ride time, 5367' climbed. The day was spent visiting the Mesa Verde National Park. Mesa Verde means Green Table in Spanish and is where the ancient Anasazi tribes lived in dwellings constructed under cliff overhangs called Puebloans. The cycling involved riding up on to the top off the plateau near to the Sleeping Ute Mountain riding up to 8400', much of which was on a very rough road awaiting re-surfacing. The scenery was electrifying and we managed to visit several well preserved Puebloan sights the first of which was 'Cliff Palace' where we met a lovely couple called Eric and Betty who were working as volunteer Rangers. They gave us lots of interesting information and useful advise. We rode around, and where necessary, walked to many amazing sights before the ride back over the mountain. It was nearly 6pm by the time we returned to the hotel having done the most climbing so far during our trip...but without the panniers to weigh us down!
Mon 14th June - Third day in Cortez. 28miles, 15.5mph ave, 1.50.28 ride time, 1263' climbed. This can be considered a recovery day ready for tomorrow when will be riding uphill for most of the day to over 10,000' for the first time! The days ride entailed an easy ride to Dolores c. 11miles away from the hotel followed by an interesting visit to the nearby Anasazi Heritage Centre and a short walk to the ruin of a Puebloan surface village and an 'overlook' for the McPhee Reservoir. After returning to the hotel we had a short visit to the Cortez Cultural Centre; the only attraction of note in the town.
This is better reading than "The Sun" newspaper, even without the page three interest. Mind you, the sight of you two changing out of your wet clothes in the middle of a cafe must have turned some heads. Only a few more days freedom before the "Grizzlies" arrive. Keep up the running commentary - it really is very good (can I have the publishing rights?). Wish I could be there (in the support RV of course).
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