Day 18, Wednesday, June 22, 2005
Montrose, CO to Gunnison, CO
(4,790 feet of climbing)
62 miles, 11.7 mph, 5hr 17min 27sec
Max speed 35.3 mph
Up at 5:00, 5:45 load luggage, 6:00 breakfast at Windmill restaurant, 7:00 on the road.
Weather again today was sunny, 20 -25 mph headwinds and temperature in the 90's. The first 12 miles was extremely stressful, 4 - 6% grade with that awful headwind. I was in my smallest chain ring (I have three), biggest gear and could barely maintain a speed of 6 mph. Also, as I mentioned in yesterday's journal, there were actually 2,300 other cyclists (Ride The Rockies) doing the same route that we were. We will ride together again tomorrow and then we go on to Pueblo and they go somewhere else.
The first climb today was 2,200 feet over 14 miles with a 5 mile downhill. Those downhills are GREAT! Then we had a 9 mile climb to get to our SAG at 28 miles. Both climbs were 5-8% grades. These climbs probably sound very difficult but it is critical that you get into the proper chain ring and gear and establish and maintain a consistent cadence. You don't want or need to "crank", you wear out your knees and they get very sore.
The views of Blue Lake Reservoir were breathtaking! It was difficult for me not to take 20 more pics. There is so much beauty out here. If you click on my photos they will go to full screen and you will see what I mean.
I enjoy so much being able to see beautiful Colorado! Tomorrow is a 63 mile ride to Gunnison.
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