A week of lots of climbing and very long, hot days are taking its toll. Very tired, I overslept for an hour, not hearing all the noise and commotions around me of people breaking up camp! Still got everything done real quick but left at 8am. Hopped onto a fast moving paceline of other late but fast cyclists like the Stehouwer father Larry and sons Mark and Eric, and tried to do my part to help keep the line flying. The very dry, rocky desertlike landscapes around Dechagne soon changed into open range sage brush and other tough schrubs, and later more grassy hillsides, and herds of cattle. After about 50km of steady 1 to 2% climbing, we encountered some huge roller coaster hills...I mean huge! Some grades were up to 7% and up to 2 miles long! At the 3rd one of these I could no longer climb with the guys and dropped off to do them at my own pace.
The first part of the day we had merciful cloud cover, but a head wind. By 11am I was halfway and the sun came out and started stinging. Walter's SAG at the highest point of climbing was a welcome sight. We each got a string of candy, and happily went on our way flying down the descent towards Craig. The landscapes are really much more colorful like the Colorado signboard said, the one where I carried my bike high for all the years it has carried me so faithfully. The miles flew by, as I rode with the tandem, Bill and Rita Wybenga, a delightful couple that really can make that machine go, the more when the wind changed to catch us from the side and rear. We were in Craig at 2pm - the 140km in 6 hours including water stops. This town is bigger with a Walmart and all the franchizes. Feels nice to be back in "civilization" after many miles of just nothing. Upon leaving Descagne there was a sign to say that there are no gas stations for the next 57 miles! I did enjoy the lovely landscapes and cloudscapes very much, though when drafting it is not wise to look around too much, as one's wheel is only 12 inches away from the rear wheel in front of you, and sure disaster if not paying attention!
All in all this was a wonderfully happy day: the wind in my face, tugging at my hair through the slits in my helmet to create the most interesting hairstyles when I take the helmet off....and the freedom of singing wheels, the speed, energy and zest for life surging through my veins with every heart beat and the pure joy of being part of such a magnificent operation......"to do something beautiful" for those who need it most! The love and prayers of our dear ones at home mean more to us than any words can express. Thank you so much! God is good!
1 comment:
Hi Marti,
I just checked the computer and there was another great blog from you. What beautiful pictures with scenery hard to beat. I hope that everyone is staying well. You sure have kept up your stamina, and I can tell you are just enjoying the tour by how you write. What a lot of special moments each day brings.
Here in Toronto and surroundings another day of heavy rain. It is just an unbelievable summer. Grass needs to be cut about every 3 days. Flowers are just in full bloom in the garden.
Prayers for all.
Corrie van der Kuur
Post a Comment