Saratoga, WY to Walden, Colorado (City Park Camping)
I started off the day with a quick breakfast and hot chocolate at the church, and got to talking with another biker, Rob. Rob said he would also be headed to Waldon today, so I hoped to see him later.
My ride started with constant hills and relentless headwinds, and the first 12 miles were very tough. Because of the headwinds today, I was going slower downhill than I was going on the climbs yesterday! Eventually though, the headwind subsided, and I stopped for breakfast and a stretch. Next, I climbed an unnamed mountain pass- it felt so brutal in the moment, but it’s nothing compared to what’s to come!
I met a few bikers, David and Spencer, heading for Saratoga and, a little after that, I rolled up to the Colorado border (State Number 6!!). While I was there, Isaac and Thomas showed up. They were going my way, but were “credit card” touring, which means all you carry is your credit card. You sleep in hotels and buy all your food. It makes for a light pack! I was able to stick with them for about 10 miles, then lost them on a big hill, eventually taking a rest at the top. I got into Walden early, about 2:00 pm, and made it to City Park where I would be camping for the night. Big clouds were building, so I got under the gazebo before the rain.
I walked into town for a quick resupply and ate a big Philly cheese steak. Later in the afternoon, another biker rolled in to the park, Gabriel. He had only recently jumped on the TransAm Trail after spending some time in Denver, and he told me he was headed to Seattle from Florida. We traded stories for a bit, then walked back into town to get some ice cream. Gabriel bought me a cup! Super cool dude! He hasn’t met many people on the road yet so he was glad to have a friend for the night. It was great meeting him and I hope we keep in touch.
As we got back to the park, another biker, Rob rolled in, and we all set up our tents. (It’s free to camp in the city park as long as you notify the sheriff). I set up right in the middle of the gazebo, hoping to stay dry if it rains later. I called my friends back in Cambridge, Ryan and Kelly, just to check-in, ate some dinner, and got to bed. It was a relatively low-miles day, but the hills and wind made it hard! It’s going to be a big challenge tomorrow! VIEW PHOTOS –>
Distance: 66.94(1255.43 total miles)
Time: 5:15:57
Ascent: 3369
Descent: 2067
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Awesome following your adventures. I hope you have lots of tailwinds!
That’s the hope for the mid-west! Downhill, tailwind and big big miles
I’m sure parts of your ride are brutal, but your motivation to press on is amazing. Each of your entries describes your challenges, but also focuses on what you are seeing and the people you are meeting. Your reflection on each day always seems so positive. I love that!
Some of the people I’ve met have gotten me out of the hardest times I’ve been in!
This blog is binge worthy! Thanks for the updates Max. Are you using the clip-ins? I imagine it makes the hills slightly more tolerable. I’d tell you to make the most of every moment but clearly you’ve got that covered!
Yup, I’m clipped in! If I do another tour, I’ll have to trade out my road shoes for mountain ones, cause they can get by as sneakers too! They definitely make the hills feel a little smaller!
You sure are meeting some interesting people. It will be cool to catch up with them all after your rides and compare notes.
Definitely!
Max – I recently broke my toe (ironically fell of my bike!) and have been riding the bike instead of using the tread at the gym. Half hour on that thing and I am spent with a sore but! So incredible what you are doing. Enjoy your rest in Colorado!!
Oh no! Power on! It took a while for my butt to adjust to its new life! Just takes a little (or in my case way too much) time on the saddle