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.

Sat 12th June to Mon 14th June Highlights

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.

Wed 9th June to Fri 11th June Highlights

Wed 9th June - Tuba City to Kayenta (5812'). 73miles, 18.5mph ave, 3.55.54 ride time, 2000' climbed. Another early start saw morning temperatures at a cool 20C but by the time we reached Kayenta it had risen to 37C even though it was still only 11.45am!! The usual pattern of wind building through the day pushed us along hence the high average speed despite some long hills to ride. When we arrived at the hotel, which was run by Navajo Indians, there was a meeting in progress concerning compensation claims for the lack of cleaning up of Uranium mines....nice!! Kayenta was very windy in the afternoon and nestled between spectacular red sandstone to the north and limestone to the south.

Thu 10th June - Kayenta to Mexican Hat (4114'). 63.5miles, 13.5mph ave, 3.52.33 ride time, 2093' climbed. We had heard that sandstorms can blow across the route for this ride so yet another early start ensured we avoided the winds that pick up through the day. Within a couple of miles of leaving Kayenta we were riding through Monument Valley. This was c. 30miles of the most breathtaking wind sculptures red rock landscape you could imagine. By far the best way to experience this was on a bike so, given that it was a short day to Mexican Hat, we rode slowly and took in the sights. We arrived early in Mexican Hat (so named because of a nearby rock that looks like a Mexican wearing a hat (original??) so had lunch, dumped the bags and set off sight seeing to Goose-neck gorge. Another amazing sight; on arrival you look down 1000' feet to the worlds most perfectly formed entrenched meandering river (San Juan) gorge. The river San Juan also flows through Mexican Hat and eventually joins the Colorado just before the Grand Canyon as it flows on to Lake Powell to the west. As usual, we met and chatted to lots of people during the day including a very interesting Navajo Indian artist. After dinner, the most amazing thing happened; we went for a stroll to the river bridge and a cyclist came hurtling down the hill who on cross-examination (!) was trying to beat the record for cycling around the world. His name was Vin Cox (Google him if interested) and he had done 12000miles with 6000 to go. But then the lead woman in the Race-Across-America (RAM) bike race came by with support crew...how amazing was that!?

Fri 11th June - Mexican Hat to Montichello (7199'). 71miles, 15mph ave, 4.43.04 ride time, 4965' climbed. No breakfast in hotel so a very early start (5.45am). Leaving Mexican Hat we met up with the rider and support crew of a Lady doing the RAM and had a chat. Then along came a two man relay team doing the shorter race that finished in Durango (Colorado) so Derek and I set off and caught one of their riders (called Cheney). We rode with him until he handed over to the second rider (Tim...a Brit resident in the USA) and rode with him for a while before stopping for breakfast at Bluff. We then left the RAM route and had lunch at Blanding before starting the long climb up to Montichello and low-and-behold we came across another bike race! This time it was a four person relay race of c. 500miles from Moab to St George...they were going in the opposite direction straight into a strong head wind!! As we climbed the usual elevation in temperature didn't occur and we finished the days ride at a chilly 25C!

Message for Rhonda - we need home made cake!
Message for John - we don't count the down-hills!

Sun 6th June to Tue 8th June Highlights

Sun 6th June - Williams to Tusayan (Grand Canyon) 6628'. 54.6miles, 17.5mph ave, 3.12.06 ride time, 1264' climbed. Almost continuous ride along mostly long straight rolling roads to Tusayan Arrived hot and tired ready for lunch at Wendy's followed by an early check in at the hotel. We then had a short ride up to the Grand Canyon National Park entrance to buy an annual pass to the park. This pass entitles both Derek and I to enter any of the national parks over the next year...a snip at $80 for the pair of us. The pass also gave us free use of all shuttle buses from Tusayan into and around the park. We had a short visit on the shuttle bus to the Canyon and could not believe what we saw....more to follow tomorrow. We then returned to Tusayan for a disappointing Mexican meal followed by a short ride in pursuit of the local wild life. Unfortunately we only managed to see one elk as it ran off.

Mon 7th June - Second day at Tusayan sigh seeing at the Grand Canyon using a combination of the shuttle bus and the bikes (23miles covered) to get around. The Grand Canyon is absolutely immense (c. 270miles long, a mile deep and up to 18miles across). The morning was spent exploring part of the South Kaiban Trail. An early start ensured we didn't overheat. The trail descends over 4800' to the Colorado River below and the North Trail nearly 6000' up the other side. Our walk (2 1/2 hr round trip) only took us a fraction of the way down the trail to Cedar Ridge but it was amazing nevertheless as you really felt you were in the Canyon and the views were as spectacular as anything I've ever seen. Our afternoon excursion was done mostly on the bikes and we explored many viewing points along the south rim of the canyon to the most westerly point at Hermits Rest.

Tue 8th June Tusayan to Tuba City (4945'). 87mile, 17.5mph ave, 5.02.20 ride time, 3107' climbed. First part of ride was cool due to an early start and went east through the National Park following the south rim. Unfortunately Derek took a tumble on the gravel at the side of the road as we approached the most easterly point in the park. Fortunately his injuries were minor and only his back wheel and his pride was damaged. A few twists on the spoke key soon had us rolling again; onto Desert View for short a short refreshment stop where we had a nice chat with an English lady who was traveling with her daughter in an open top car. From Desert View we left the part and descended the longest hill I've ever ridden; c. 3000' of decent in one go! As we approached Cameron where had planned to have a short lunch stop I picked up the second (rear wheel again!) puncture of the trip. A speedy repair followed by a sandwich at the Native American (Indian) Trading Post at Cameron and we were of on the final leg to Tuba City. The heat and wind resulted in two weary riders arriving at the hotel which is run by Native Americans on the Navojo Reservation.

Fri 4th June to Sat 5th June Highlights

Fri 4th June - Wickenberg to Prescot (5484'). 60.5miles, 12.5mph ave, 4.50.49 ride time, 5154' climbed. Early breakfast (served from 4am!!) for 6am departure to avoid afternoon heat. Arrived Prescot at 1pm. Not a lot of miles but both tired due to two big climbs the second of which took us up to 6100' on to the Colorado Plateau. Beautiful winding roads with spectacular views. Prescot was busy resort town. The Econolodge hotel looked more like a prison camp but despite this we both had a very good nights sleep.

Sat 5th June - Prescot to Williams (6900'). 67.5miles, 15.5mph ave, 4.22.43 ride time, 3022' climbed. Breakfast available in hotel from 7am so decided to forgo this and set off at 5.30am on a banana and water!! A little over a hour into the ride and we had our first breakfast - a McMuffin breakfast (well, we are in America!). More flat riding then to Ash Fork where we had our second breakfast(!!) at a traditional American ranch style cafe; and then joined the famous Route 66. The long climb of the day then took us up to 7100' on what was more like a motorway than a mountain road. The temperatures rise to the mid 40's (degrees C!) in the afternoon hence the early starts. Williams is the gate way to the Grand Canyon (a bit like Skipton being the gateway to the Dales...?) where we set off for tomorrow.

30th May to 3rd June Highlights

Arrived Nogales safe and sound and with bikes in tact...phew. Rode from hotel to Mexican border for photo shoot....very hot!!! Eight miles under the tyres; only 2492 (approx) to go!!
Nogales at 3900ft so some down hill to look forward to tomorrow.

Tues 1st June - Nogales to Tucson (2570'). 87miles, 17mph ave, 5.12.15 ride time. 2749' climbed. Left early to avoid heat and arrived Tucson ahead of schedule at 2pm. Stopped en-route by border police! Later in ride stung on the head by a bee; Derek had to pull the sting out. Painful but no major probs. Stopped at Saguero National Park for photos with giant cacti.

Wed 2nd June - Tucson to Apache Junction (1584'). 106miles, 18mph ave, 6.04.52 ride time. 1376' climbed. Arrived Apache Junction 2pm. Not a good day; sore throat and head ache but sat on front all day. Mega long straight flat roads...very tiring; temp hit 43C in afternoon. Break stop at Florence...Arizona State penitentiary centre!! Dinner at Village Inn...awesome pecan pie for free!

Thur 3rd June - Apache Junction to Wickenberg (1983'). 95miles, 16.5mph ave, 5.56.20 ride time, 1463' climbed. Arrived Wickenberg 2.30pm. 55miles to cross Phoenix (better than expected) then long straight three lane road to finish. First 20mile averaged 20mph but then dropped as temperature rose to 46C!!! Derek suffered in the heat but the old ice under the cycle cap seemed to do the trick!! First puncture of the trip with <10miles>