Then it was down a steep grade for a bit where we had to begin the second climb, this time on the interstate, again at a 7 percent grade for eight miles. Though shorter than the first climb, this one proved more difficult for me, partially because of the heat and mostly because my energy tank was starting to get low. However, I must say, I was able to go as fast as some of the tractor trailers that were trying to climb as well, even if it was only at 11 km per hour. Trucks were pulled over (overheated) all the way up.
We arrived at the park at 3:30pm (not bad). I was about a mile short of getting in a 100 mile ride and so turned around and rode a bit more just so I could say I did it. (nuts heh).
I ended up being billeted for the weekend at John Vandersteen's (he's from London) sister (Rita) and husband (Tom) along with John, Barb and Cynthia (all part of our riding group). They were waiting for us when we got into camp and immediately after getting our stuff together we departed. Even before going to their home they treated us for supper at a huge buffet. We sure did pig out. That was so nice of them. (over dinner talk we realized that Rita had stayed at Tony and Corrie Dykxhoorn's (Cynthia's parents) home in the Aylmer area when she was in her teens and working in tobacco. What a small world that we live in.
On Sunday we went to church with them at the Lutheran Church and were warmly welcomed there. The service is quite similar to ours back in Aylmer. We were invited to participate in communion with them. That part reminds me a bit of the Anglican/Catholic tradition. We all came to the front and knelt on the bench. One of the servers handed out a waffer to each of us and a second server came with the cup. We took the waffer and dipped it in the cup as the words, "for the complete remission of all of your sins" were spoken. Then we could sit down while others took our place.
At the very end of the service the pastor asked the four of us (Sea to Sea cyclists) to come to the front, introduce ourselves and share what we doing. What a wonderful privilege and opportunity to do so, all the more unique and special because we were in a non CRC church. Afterwards we had a lot of people come and talk to us and give encouragement. It was so neat to see the tremendous excitement, my sense (sad to say) far more than many CRCs.
Monday, saw us hit the road again in what would be the beginning of our most difficult week (by far) so far with and average of 145km and significant climbs each day as we head toward Denver.
On Monday we had to climb over Wolf Creek Pass, the summit of which was just shy of 9500 feet. To reach the summit we had to climb over 3000 feet, the last eight miles at an 8 percent grade. Needless to say I was in my granny gear for that part but was able to make it without stopping even though my speed a couple of times dipped to nine km. per hour. I should qualify that statement. I did stop once, to take a picture of a moose. It was amazing. The moose was coming out of the forest above us just as we were passing by. When it saw us it didn't know what to do and actually stood on the road not 150 feet from us and then continued down the slope. I managed to get a beautiful snapshot. When we got to the top there was snow at a peak just above us. Some of the cyclists went up to it and threw a few snowballs at each other. Then it was down the other side. What a joy as we could reach speeds of close to seventy km per hour (and that's with the brakes partially applied) and view the panorama of the canyon as we descended. I was able to take some beautiful pictures along both the way up and the way down. A real blessing for all of us was that it was cloudy the entire day. I rolled into camp at Duschene at 3:30, tired but happy. It had been a great day.
Yesterday, saw us make the 145km. trip from Duschene to Dinosaur. Someone quipped the other day that the land in so dry, harsh and difficult that even the dinosaurs couldn't survive. As the name implies, we were just south of Dinosaur National Park where the bones of prehistoric animals are visible for public viewing.
Dinosaur itself, is a barren little town (village or hamlet is a better term) with a population of maybe three hundred. It is situated just inside the Colorado State border and so we can now say we made it through the state of Utah. Progress is being made, though when you are cycling the road seems endless.
Yesterday was an exhausting day for me personally but also for most of us. The last twelve miles seemed to take forever. It didnt help that it was mid afternoon, the sun was hot and there was a climb right at the end. We had also been on a very busy highway all day with very little room between the white strip and the rumble strip. Far too many of the vehicles had no respect at all for us as cyclists and so we had to grip the the handle bars tightly to make sure we stayed on the straight and narrow. That is physically and mentally exhausting. Add to that the big climbs and long distances of the previous days and the body begins to say "enough."
Today's 141km. trip from Dinosaur to Craig went much better for me. Even though there was over 4,000 feet of climbing, my body seemed to be able to handle it better. It sure helped that there was a wider strip for the cyclists and it was cloudy most of the way. I ended up riding on my own for the last 60km. because I wanted to get into camp earlier to be able to do this. That meant stopping very little along the way. Right now I am typing underneath the shade of tree and looking out over the valley and town below. There is a nice breeze making it very comfortable here.
Tomorrow we begin our last thrust across the Rockies. It promises to be quite a gruelling feat as we begin the ascent up to Denver. At the summit we will be over 11,000 feet and so breathing (while cycling)might be a concern. At Wolf Creek Pass (at 9500 feet) one of the cyclists developed breathing difficulties and had to take a couple of days off. She was able to ride again today but will probably have to forego the pass. Hopefully, breathing will not be a concern for me.
In closing, please keep us all in your prayers as we make the climb and as the trip takes it toll on our bodies. Having said that, let me also say that it has been one beautiful trip so far. Words and pictures can't adequately describe it for you. Wish you could be here to experience some of what I am. Till next time, may God be with you all.
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