One last entry for ya!
I rode into downtown and got lost several times. The one ways sent me to and fro.
I got to use the left lane a couple of time seeing how this was a one way with three lanes. It is proper to move all the way over when you want to turn left. So you're not fighting traffic. I finally made it around to greyhound complrtly dismantled bike and trailer and hauled them to shipping.
Tour complete!
2300 miles 83 days.

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Red rocks to 470
So after a lovely sunset I set out of the park. Down the windy and cracked asphalt.
I then headed into the small roadside town of Morrison a bike path started but I remained on the road as usual. I then stopped in a gas station for some wake me up since I wasn't sure how long of a night this was going to be.
The night was still warm and I was rather happy at this.
I went under the 470 and checked out Bear lake 18 dollar camping left me with a salad.
You see if you go into a burger palace and they give you salad. You again order a burger and they give you a salad what do you do?
Well I don't pay is what I do.
You see I only need a patch of grass to sleep in the vast hundreds of acres and that grass worth 18 dollars yeah right. So gasping at the price noticing they close the gate. I went back to the bike path. I knew it went under 470 and that ment no cop cars. Because it used the same bridge Bear creek ran under.
So I found the bridge as I always say the MUP always goes every which way but straight. So I chill out waiting for him to close the gate. I had internet so I played with that after a good while say the new day. I strolled over to some picnic tables one was behind a small hill. With no signs indicating it was the Park. I took out my trap wrapped it around me and sleep about 3 hours. I woke up at 400 and poured over my routes.
The ride on 8 was sureal with the huge park I felt I was in the country. There was a jesus cross on the hill behind me huge and lit up.
Then as the park gave way I fell on a four lane take my lane thanks.
I came upon a sign that gave me ten seconds to get across after that the road looked like alley way with very little access from side roads. It was super small only two lanes. Complete with milage markers and huge wooden fences on each side. That fianally gave way and I was again taking names and lanes.

The first place was a groccery store to get some food I am so hungry. I finally saw a kings food after all the semis I have seen on the road.
I found the usual yogurt, cheese, milk, and ritz crackers, with PBs tortillas.
I then ate brekfest, charged my phone.
I tried to find a box for my stuff with no luck yet lots of boxes I went to target to get a duffel bag.

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So I made it now what the hell do I do.
The ride was again out of this world!
As directed by Larry I took 73 to 74 and Omy gosh canyons, rivers , cliffs and realluy winding roads. I at several points was doing the speed limit. I don't thin I even pedaled. Although I think I did a little. 35 and 25 where those speed limits. It was great fun whipping around the cornors. Thanks again Larry that ride topped of my 2300 miles of out of this world scenery.
What a way to end my ride. Of course I then went to Red Rocks which overlooks Denver. " I can see it!" I waited 81 days to take it all in. I talked to all my friends. Wahooooo!
I also at the 73 junction got some lunch at subway thanks again Larry.
It rained just like the last two days only sprinkling. At one point on the 285 I had wrapped my gear and then before I could leave the sun came out. Imagine that. 285 sucked spots I had to take the lane doing 3 mph at other times I had traffic squeezing by me even though there was two lanes. After Crow hill I went up to go down to go up. It was 1500 feet of I don't want to climb all that. Yet the down hill was great and hot.
While I was eating the second wave of rain came by.
Today was a good day.
I only need to ship my stuff and then I am good to go. This will most likely be more expensive and more challenging than my trip HA!.
I just did over 50 miles today and all the down hill has left me hungry for more. Yet my trip is done. I can't believe it no more cycling. My journey is done. Time for my next adventure.
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so i headed out from red hill so early in the morning. My alarm was still working so I got an early start. I finally made it back to the road after a short walk with my bike the road was well a BLM road the stay was great although lots of Skeeters. So having all my clothes on in the morning was a great way to ward them off. I walked a little the sun had come up from the horizon yet there was a bank of clouds which then hid the sunrise. I sate there for a moement and then headed out. I went down a steep hill got about 30 mph and slowed down then i had to climb another hill and after that it was mostly down hill to level expect for one small hill. I saw a sign and it said "Watch for Wildlife" not watch for cyclists mind you we had our own 2 to 3 foot shoulder which then all the big trucks and anyone not wainting to give you space or i might add the oncomming passing cars would squeeze you as they went by.
I made it pass (Cowely) and then road by Jefferson which had a neat depot painted bright blue and a C store. The whole way from Red Hill was a just a valley and as I said it was level to downhill. I then found the Konesha Pass 10000 feet. The three passes so far have been nothing.
I climbed the pass unexpected my day was over by 10000 am. I looked around the colorado trailheads on both sides and the east side had the dispersed camping.
I found a nice level patch of ground in tall aspens where motor vheicles couldnt go.
Although they disregarded signs and went into the pasture right below me and had a fire. Which below smoke my way. Arggg
I then woke up with no alarm as my cell phone died. I wasn't worried though I only had another 10 miles or so. I new it was on a hill so I was like please let me stay at this awesome site.
So i loaded up and off I went. It was all down hill yet for a small portion and by 0900 i was at the trail head. the valley was awesome with a shoulder huge to none at times. I followed the river most of the way to Bailey. Pine trees galore dotted the canyons. I put up my bear bag and loaded up my backpack. I climbed up some easy switch backs and soon was at the top of the hill. I searched for some level land and I didn't find any so I took some angled land. Again like yesterday at 1200 guessing the thunderstorms started. It would rain both days off and on. I was glad to have such a short day as I was in my tent as the rain came down. I was able to read Tai-pan and another book that book i finished in less than 18 hours. Not sure if that is saying anything on the book it was ok a little like fantasy though.
So I made it into Bailey and decided to do my Laundry which is a ruse to charge my phone ha.
But getting your laundry done is fine.
while doing my laundry I met Larry who I connected with right away. We talk he is now living at 8700 feet retired living the high life eh? I was rather jealous considering the heat I was about to enter. His two dogs looked rather happy from there faces which I thought was an odd character to have. It was a great little Laundry shope both of us agreed. A place right next to the river to bait a hook and a bar. They also had a historic park picnic anyone and a nice ped bridge over the South Platte river.
Larry's generosity again caught me off guard as he offered me breakfast which I kindly accepted. Larry then gave me a great route to Denver as I told him where I was going. I get to avoid 285 which I was so happy and provided me with a nice senic ride into Red Rocks. I was really glad to talk with Larry as I normally just brush people off after answering there questions. Spending time out in the middle of nowhere doesn't give me alot of social skills. He gave me my final burst of motivation with his his excitement he showed for my trip, and hopefully I gave him some to go bait a hook or check out a trail with his dogs. Thanks Larry.
I then got directions from the Laundry lady and she said just atop of Crow Hill year right.
Well crow hill is a frikin pass worse than the three passes I just climbed. So I climbed I climbed and I even though I found the place so I left the main road only to go back to it. Finally a library sign and I was off yet more signs lead me around and around and I found the great library.
I was able to pound alot of time on the computer as you can see from here.
I will be finishing my tour by tomorrow as I book a hostel on my last day of my tour.
So one more post one more night in the woods for me!

So I made it into Fairplay and checked the town out. For not having a railroad near by that I could see it many old buildings.
It also had the famous Front St from the east coast.
I also learned why the national forest had people living in them. In the 1930s they issued permits to live their and of course they don't want to give them up.
Seems fittin the selfish people don't want you to camp there either.
I chatted with a lady from the historical soceity. The library was built in 1896 and it was a couthouse with a mock setting complete with chair. Even had vaults where you could find books dtacked on shelfs
We agreed on BLM land.
They agency hides it from us and the locals don't want you on there. I talked to the ranger lady and discussed BLM she told me of a road on the right. Here I am in the most aloof public entity of America. There was a beware of dog sign on the gate. Next to it close gate my cows are on open range. So now I have better cell phone coverage than in the city Imagine that. The ride out to red pass was easy and dangerous. It is offical I have 85 miles left tommorow that goes down to 45.
I am at 9000 feet. Battery is almost gone and I will need some charging
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Buena Vista to Forest road 215 now 307. 8 miles
So leaving the expansive shoulder of 24 to a small one foot shoulder proved difficult for some drives. Of course now spoiled I to re adjust to almost loosing my life every time two motors meet. Semis even.
At any rate I survived the ordeal. For some rational little and I mean little sections had a wide shoulder. I think I will be old and gray by the time they complete that portion of HWY.
They had the coligate scenic view ahead just as I climbed a small hill. There was rain on the road and I must have missed that. Just like sunday when I saw the rumble strips filled with rain. Storms behind me and rain as present before me. I think the rain behind me was local MT stuff not affecting me.
The ride reminded of a few other places I climbed more than I went down. I entered the San Isabel forest and quickly found 315 I knew I was golden then. Signed and every thing. (They called them county roads). Again flat land is a hard thing to find so with light dwindling around I rode on I knew this wasn't an expansive forest by any means. Which I was a little worried for that reason yet it proved to be a forest yeah.
So then I saw 305 life is good then I got thrown off by 307 the book said 215. So I am guessing they wanted it to jive with the rest of the forest 302 and 304 were I believe transferred into other roads as I didn't see them. They also would have come before the forest sign. That sign is like gold. You may commence sleep.
So I decided to keep going still 307 would rejoin with 285. And behold has twilight was creeping up on me I saw it rejoin. Not only that there was flat land! I only needed to go about a 1/4 mile off the main road. There is a bridge in case I need shelter. Water in case I need to filter. And that gargling sound streams make.
On a side note I saw an aquarium 10 gallon with some rain water in it. On 24 heading into Buena Vista
I also was on the colgiate peaks scenic by way. Wow lots of by ways.
By the numbers I had a great day! 54 miles. I am just about under a hundred left.
By the time you read this I will be passing 80 miles and i will have 4 more days left.
But for now a few days rest.
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A day of rest.
I have not had two days of rest in over 15 days. I had been outside Walden with 20 or so more days to go. My restlessness got the better of me I cycled more miles trying to forget the dates set aside. Racing towards some unseen goal or finish line I did not want to cross. I knew as children know the night before they open there christmas presents, something greater lingers on the edge of my horizon. For now I only needed to get up and cycle to the hidden plane.
Like the child something new to obtain and behold. Now amiss with the looming deadline. A herd of anexity awaits for my corral.
My life in an endless jump crafting mystery from boredom and shunning any thing not so foreign.
For that fleeting moment until it becomes routine and subtle. Comfortable in the way socks cling to my feet.
This profound torment and my daily routines squeeze my lungs with a pacified air.
Out here life is simple get up and explore nature as it awaits and adorns unconditionally never closing never having scorn.
I rest on her and she allows me to dream. I walk with her and she never leaves.
Now closing another chapter and writting anew I drift off in questionable thought.
Tomorrow another day of resting and reflecting. Engrossing in an English novel of days before equality. Before a person could be free from the chains of money.
I am awaiting my own christmas. Patiently as possible with little cycling to do I can only soak up the time allowed. Where the radios are silent, the tvs blank, and introspection has no mirror.
in a few days I will be pulled from the secrecy which I have groomed, I will be brought back to a life I have crafted with skilled precision and nature's opened gifts that await my companionship.
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Another rest day.
I cleaned up my camp and got things in order, for a quick departure.
I am groggy from all the sleep and resting.
I almost finished aye the Tai-Pan. An fantastic read. 720 pages of excitement.
Although I am going buggy with thy speech. Na that I would want modern speech slang in an 1840s book.
Wow to thee writer must'n be difficult.
Nice and cool at 8000 feet.
I am in a valley so the sun is lazy greeting me and quick to retreat.
Tommorow shall be a challenge at best with my joss and strength I will climb my last three passes if not there is always tommorow.
Yes August 1st and six more days.
For now sleep!

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So I woke up a little latter than normal and got out at 0730 hours. I rode up to 9300 trout pass seemed rather easy for 1200 feet. Of course all the semis and trucks wizzing by me sure didn't help much. Comming down I topped out at 37 miles since I had to move a little more than I wanted to be on the side of the road. With a 1 foot shoulder and very bumpy white line.
It was a no brainer I tried a different route. I found out why traffic was so stack. I took 24 to Hartsal. Another 13 miles. Up and down at one point the chip seal was pretty rough. It was about two miles out of my way, but anything to avoid 285. The town Hartsel was after SR9 so it was only 11 miles. SR 9 now below the interstate. Everyone was avoiding this because of construction. I still had my share of idiots and the route was going up. At point a huge started blowing his horn. Keep in mind all the semis never did. So I just took my lane by moving more left. After it was a nice passing zone and I am sure the rv could come back the other way. So why not pass me like any other vehicle eh?
At any rate I got to look at the 14s the whole way as there ahead and to the left, this portion of the trip was 17 miles.
At one point for about .5 miles they reduced it to one lane. I was told by the flagg man that I could ride in the dead lane. I did. I only had to wait long enough to get off my bike and grab some water and they flag man let our lane go.
Amazing how a new road doesn't warrant a shoulder. Considering this was an AcA route. I will say all the truckers too extra caution when passing me. Most of them had to slow down and wait to move over and pass me proper.
Fairplay is nestled in the MT. By now I was biking and resting. The last five miles felt forever with a head wind. I also saw a bicycle 76 sign not sure what that ment but if it gives me a wide lane then great.
So a nice long rest and then my red hill climb. Since I didnt loose to much during my ride I should have only a few thousand to climb.
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Pancho Springs to Bunea Vista.
Pretty easy ride up down and then some more up. Rather simple followed the Arksnas river which was going south. It was hot but I still am at 7500 feet. I went 2 miles to the big town. Did some library will eat dinner and then go shopping for a few items. I have everything mapped out and I get to finish my adventure at red rocks. Should be pretty easy I am dropping down to less than a 100 miles in about 10 miles I get a couple more rest days. Then climb three passes in one day ouch. Then rest some more and head into Red Rocks.
It is hard to plan to land in Denver right on the day.
I am going for the 5th. We will see. 100 miles sure doesn't sound like that much.
We will see. I remember starting out it sure did.

So I am at the library and chillen I might even go KOA just might since I have plenty of free camping.

I would defiantly recommend the way I went I had all the big shoulders when the other side didn't.

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So in 22 my extension extension has been completed and I will be back on just my extension.
WoW
What a ride it only took a week wow even with my slow ass and two Passes.
I rested yesterday I didn't do anything but sleep the whole time I was out.
I had cycled seven days straight. And resting on the Continetal Divide seemed fitting. I had to hike a good distance in to find the first flat spot. Which turned into a mini stream. I slept till 1400 hours and then woke up as some drops fell on my face. I slipped the fly on and waited it hailed, rained and lighting.
The sound of the thunder was deafing in the canyon.
I periodically looked out at my small stream make sure it didn't flash on me. Most of my tent avoid the stream just a piece of the corner I made sure the stream could under it. I saw maybe a foot wide. It rained for hours. I must have fallen asleep because the next thing I heard was my alarm. I must have been super tired. I even got up late. Waiting for it to warm up a tad bit.

Most passes you climb climb and then at the top you get a picture with a plaque. Not this pass.
Monarch Crest operated since 1954. The pass originally transported goods and helped the mines. Then they rebuilt the pass for autos. Monarch the town survived on skiing. Then they rebuilt the current road to modernize it. The other side had only one lane going up. So I picked the right side for that climb.
Monarch Crest was an oddity at best they even have a gondala ride up to tthe top of a MT.. They had a wildlife section with stuffed animals. I could have bought a gun. Then the gift section. they also had a forest section which told the history. Lastly they had a food place where you could eat. I saw three bicycle tourist come in a pack and I passed one lady on her way up she was just out for a ride. The place burnt down in 1988 they had trouble getting up the pass and then ran out of water and had to go to Modina mines to get water. So the next place was built out of concrete with a green roof. This place was great but will it end up a ghost? We will see.

The ride down I topped 40 miles for the first time. It went pretty fast the whole 13 miles no shoulder. I stopped a few times to chill out ha thaw out!
I am now in Pancho Springs not much here I have another 25 more miles to end my day in a forest.
Kudos to the Pancho springs visitor center for the free wifi if they would only open there doors. They claim they are the crossroads to the rockies.
So I should be back on 285 headed for Denver by the end of the day.
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Black Canyon Nationa Park

My hike out to Crystal Creek.

My stay at pioneer point.

I could resist
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Sunday Gunnison to Monarch crest
41 miles and climbed to 11312 feet
So after eyeing some thunderstorms and waiting as long as I can. I headed out of the city at 1500. It was bicycle city lots of them. I saw a half a dozen unlocked bikes at the grocery store.
There was art in the park I stopped there for a short bit. I also got a subway the usual. The ranger station didn't display a map but I had a picture of the map.
I also got some air at the Conoco since it was free.
I did some laundry, acquired food, and talked on the phone. I also picked up some screws. I was tempted to stay at the KOA but decided I could get some miles under my saddle instead. The ride continued to follow the river as it got narrow and lazy. I was still in a wide canyon with mesas abound.
For most of my adventure it was down hill I had the wide shoulder and still the water was on my side. . I was making some good time but it never reflects it. After about 20 miles and after Gunnison there was only service in Sergents. Which for 5 bucks a half gallon of milk no thanks. Amazing how gas is cheaper than milk.
The whole way I saw rain behind me and skeeters trying to bite me. Talk about motivation. I only got sprinkled on. At the end of the day sprinkles were a little heavy and I wrapped my gear up with a tarp. The shoulder dropped off as I entered the forest Gunnison. I had a huge shed on a trailer almost hit me and some idot who ran me off the road when he was passing a semi.
I started climbing shortly after Sergents. I had 9 miles of 6% not to much fun, but they had a lot pull outs and a second lane for mr all the way up. It was either wait somewhere at the bottom or climb I decided to climb given how safe Sunday night traffic is compared to Monday morning traffic. It took roughly three hours to ascend. I reached the top just before 0000 hours. I tried in vain for a place for my tent it was a little to hilly I walked up 906 and just when I am maybe going to get flat land "No public access". That figures. I then decided to hike back down this is going nowhere. After I got back I then did like all the other truckers ripped out my sleeping bag and tarp and slept till 0600 in the parking lot. No stealth here and no problems. Trying to find a place to sleep is a bitch. I then tried to climb this MT in daylight hours so I could watch my bike no dice.
So I am going to try a place a little closer to the road if that doesn't work I am going to use the Continental divide trail and descend a little see if I can't find a frikin piece of flat land. I am going to use the CD with the trail register if that happens. On 906. Since I know there is a creek (5 miles ouch) I can filter my water. (Hopefully or I will just come up after one night.)
Of course the view is out of this world and they have a gandala ride up to 12 foot peak for 7 bucks. Which when I climbed my MT I saw cell towers o joy. Well I am now 156 mi closer. Now that my tour is winding down I want it to be over and move onto the next fun adventure. Which will be a fast 600 mile an hour jet to MLPS for some relaxation and maybe some bike riding.
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So I collected water at the picnic ground next to the boat wash. They're trying to prevent mussels from getting in the water.
I ate my ranon, PBs, apricots, and had some ritz crackers. I manage to drink almost a half gallon of water right there.
I saw some thunderstorms coming my way and exited. I was having good luck dodging them over the last week and today it appears I remain dry. Even though it is raining all around me ha! Even at night I thought I was going to get rained and nope no rain for you. I can see why Gunnison has the title coldest place. For some reason this is a very cold place.
I went to my first site and playing by the rules no camp within a .5 mi literally took me out of the recreation area and onto state land where you need stamps.
I decided not to forge through to the National forest after all I had a back up plan. The lake is 96 miles long they say I believe it. I met a couple of tourist who looked prepared after I came out of Rainbow lake road. I had a nice graded hill. Today was pretty easy even when I went uphill. After crossing the dam was my hardest hill. Oh I loath 50 nice wide shoulder chopped up with rumble strips and wildflowers blocking your path. For Saturday it was busy. As I said it was an easy ride compared to the last several. Tomorrow I get to go back to the great forest land. I will be happy maybe not so happy to cross Monarch pass a 11500. I will make sure I take a rest day.
So I winded through the now Gunnison canyon with still has the lake beside me which gave way to more mesas on top. I finally arrived on some BLM land I had to turn around as I missed the road. Funny thing they don't say road 726 they say Gunnison wildlife area. Another ruse? Yet the smart and wily bunch will look at a map and go aha there is BLM just before I have to use those stamps. So now I am literally on the fence posts of state land as CO is filled with land you can't physically camp on due to a massive angles and sage brush the sage brush is evenly spaced for water rights. I managed to find a bare spot. The land was great no skeeters, ontop of a hill which looked over the valley and the river now which rain through with of course MTs in the back ground.

At any rate I am outside Gunnison and will head there tomorrow.
So today is sunday no library yet no blue laws either thank god (joke).
I arrived and started my searches after I arrived at a safeway which was from the 1950s. I knew there had to be another food store and there was. I don't like rip off palace. So I happily went out of my way and arrived at a better place.
The ride was pretty easy again river flowing up hill and me going semi down.
I was comming into town and all these old 50s motels sprang up to greet you right before the city.
The Rodeway inn won the 2008 best inn award. I was like what kinda obscure award is that for that crappy place.
I then passed the airport and found two frontage roads and the huge expansive 50 talk about a waste of space. You would score a touchdown each time you crossed the streets. After I got my food I pigged out. Yogurt, breakfast burrito, cookies oatmeal, coleslaw, and 3 string cheeses.
It seems I can't sleep on anymore. I managed to make it to 700 this morning out on the road by 800.
So now what to do?

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Pioneer creek to. Forest road 724. Have a rest day and then head into Gunnison on monday. I will spend my rest day on some blm land near never sink.

So I didn't have to hike 2 miles only a mile and 800 feet.
I hiked back in not much time ate some food. I have about a day left unless I can find some water then two days. Because some food is water based.
I might spend another day I might not.
I met Traci who was the first at the trailhead. We talked about look at some pictures and she was off. She had spent more time in some of the spots I toured.
Well back on the bike.
So I finished off the canyon and the crossed the Blue Mesa Dam and traversed the Blue Mesa res. Pretty bland after going through the canyon.
I tried to hike up Dillion pinnacles but never made it. I did 1.5 and need to save the rest of my energy for the ride. O well I had some exhausting couple of last days.
I stopped in the visitor center and charged my phone and got where I can stay for the next few days. I love how they display the maps.
Pretty easy day my tour is winding down. Lots more rest days comming up. I managed to get my bike in working order.
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Chasm

Majestic walls salute me as I appear from the secluded tree growth. Now standing on the rocky moss dwelling, nature has provided.
Sheltered by the sun with a thin sheet of white whisper.
The snaking river craving out its appetite as an unwilling refugee. Imprisoned to cast its fate digging deeper trying to find safe passage.
Nestled within myself knowing time has left us both. Blinded by beauty I no longer see.
Listening to reality as it has my only escape. The bees attracted to me, the water screaming, as it seeks a balance with it's unlevel plight.
I move to recover I move to feel the solid moss beneath my feet.
I am free and the river remains. I am free to which the river never obtains.

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BLM land to Gunnison National forest.
Today will hopefully be a light touring day. If my camp turns out ok then it will be 24 miles and about 2000 feet of climbing through a gorgeous Volcanic canyon.
I have been getting up early as of lately in my tour. Traffic, cooler temps, more clothing less bites, and using more sunlight for my journeys. So after my short stay on BLM I rose with the great sunrise. I collected my gear and was off. The skeeters were bad here with a marsh swamp area just below. I had maybe a quarter mile of dirt to get back onto 92. A lovely spot indeed. After going some 80 miles I seen my first sign point to forest access. The Gunnison rangers have their act together it appears. I had strip off my pants only to put my tights back on after a cold head wind and now descending after a brief hill. Even now as I climbed I was still cold at it was 900 o'clock. after 1500 climb and 13 miles I ate breakfast. I saw picnic table by Crystal Creek trail. I had rasions, ritz crackers, summer sausage, and two PBs.
I put aside some ramon noodles to be cooked by the time I got back. I then headed out on the trail a 2.5 mile hike to break up the day. Ingenious rocks galore. The hike was nothing short of out of this world.
Through out my tour I have constantly amazed. Having planned this route by myself I have flying by the seat of my pants. I receive tibidts of information here and there. Yet for the most part have only have an idea where my next camp will be, food, and etc.
I continued to hike to the chasm. It was a brief walk which went up and down. I had now traversed three hills with each one getting bigger.
I was in awe at the view much better than the north rim by far. Well time to hike back
I met a lady and she had the same thoughts its not over.
I gave a better description than I got. There was a Y intsection which leads to two different over views.
At any I wished her good luck and was off. I came bike a little winded but it didn't seem like I walked five miles and climbed a 1000 feet. Something to do with the splendid views I imagine.
I had forest, igneous rocks shist and quartz yummy, small brush which made green walls, and of course cliffs.
Side note yesterdays ride was known as the counties I will have to look them up but I know Monore, Gunnison, Delta, Crawford.
I ate my Ramon noodles and left. I met a fellow touring he was in dire need of water.
How hard would it be to carry a few water tablets to purify your frikin water! My rant. He had no panniers at all. I didn't share my precious cargo. Earlier that morning a motor cyclist from LA stopped and gave me a liter of water to top me off. I was great full thanks. I am not sure how long I have to go but if the visitor center has water if so than that cyclist is unprepared. I will never get shaving a couple of pounds.
My food management has been getting a whole lot better. I should arrive in Gunnison almost empty. I still have two more days of food. I have reduced my water to a gallon. Knownly water is easy to find and then filter. I did splurge comming into the valley I had two gallons. That went by quick though I am back down to a gallon. I should be able to refill tomorrow.
I managed to loose my reflective vest and one of my water proof pannier covers.
Ans so far damage water jug by Tuba city with all the dam beer bottles busted I managed in the dark to slice it. This was a good thing o found. I also lost and quickly replaced my mirror. Not to bad so far.
The day was spent going up and down. They managed not to build a single bridge. It weaved as the canyon weaved. I entered the canyon right alongside crystal creek. Which seemed rather tame. Then at the hike I saw the gapping hole in the hard lava rock and was stunned. There were many pull outs to gaze upon and rest. At one point I looked across the valley at two 14s. As I did I saw a thunderstorm roll across I watched in awe as lighting struck the I was fine in the sun and on the cliff.
Of course I could see rain clouds behind me know so I moved I made it to hermits rest and the up slope wind forced me to throw on a bit more clothes. Once again I got cold. I was well above 8000 feet so it didn't take much.
I was going to sleep here but then I found pioneer point much much better. Of course my road was hard if not impossible to find like normal I found 719 not 720 though.
I was happy a recreation area had primitive camping a park to the north could learn a thing or two.
So I was off to my campground yeah!
I had one himogus hill I hit 30 34 going around curves and such for a good 3 miles it was like a motorcycle. I had a couple other good runs also at 30 they were shorter and with out graudrails a little scary on the drop off. Of course lots of climbing. This is motorcycle haven here. Very few cars if any. Every motor I met treated me with respect even the trailers.
So I made it to pioneer point and omy god another awesome place the frikin valley so far is out of this world and to think I would have missed it. WoW!
So I am at my camp site only need to hike another 2 miles and 800 feet down!
I saw on the trail register people were seeing bears o my. You see while I am telling someone my plans if I'd ont give them specifics I try to be found. However with a trail register. I have the rangers looking after me and they can see my bike at the trail head. So now I have some one saying where is he and the rangers saying this person is right here. Of course only if something happens.
At any rate I take my photos of the gorgeous view and head out err down. I cross a couple of bridges and descend to my camp ground. I quickly set up my tent fearing rain.
I wash my socks in the creek and let them dry. I talk a hike down a little more as this goes much farther than I want it goes all the way to the Res so you can boat camp.
I see a huge water fall take a few pics and walk back up. Not to go overboard. 30 miles 3000 feet up. 7 miles hiking and a 1000 feet up.
So I ate dinner ritz crackers and PB before I went down I had some PBs and green beans followed by apricots. (After I saw the bears in the trail register I hung my food). I read some Tai-Pan and then went to bed ready for more hiking and fun in the sun. My bike is back up to acting like a retard I should be able to limp back to Denver hopefully. Another side note I put 2000 miles on my trip so far. My odometer didn't work for that day and since it has been fine.

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Crawford to Gould Res. 10 miles. About an hour and a half
I went through the town of Crawford. Nice little business district no coperate crap. I then had to climb that same canyon.
Upon my climb I saw a sign that said gas 80 miles. This was followed up by a sign that said Gunnison 61 miles.
So no gas in Gunnison? By the way the gas station is called Despardo. I bought .5 gallons of milk and a liter of pop.
I went by a couple of goats alongside the road who being used as long mowers. I saw 8 dear. Some running along the road. Some darting out onto the road. One deer couldn't quite clear the fences. I wonder if that hurt them.
I saw some Elk also.
I had to climb my hill again. The sunset reminded me of home. By act of congress I found BLM land and beded down the skeeters are bad here time to wake up extra early.

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Crawford to Crawford
I decided unkownly to go to the Black Canyon National forest of Gunnison.
It started out ok but I got bad directions.
I had to traverse a huge canyon say 500 feet down and up. It was blazing hot by this time I had sweated enough to fill a kiddie pool.
The scenery in and on top of the canyon was amazing. I hit 30 going down this would be the shallow side.
I then started my climb 1000 feet in 10 miles. I then missed my turn off due to bad directions. I was looking for a paved road when I should have gone done the gravel. This took me about 7 miles out of range. Now noon time I was really roasting and had to traverse more fri kin gravel. I made it back to the original road and there was tar and more climbing. The crappy directions said four miles of gravel. So I was waiting and climbing. Then at last through the dripping sweat I saw the road change. Yet more bad news they laid down Mag chloride which made everything muddy. So now I have four miles of mud to go through. Still climbing. Since this was volcanic rock the flow caused this hill verses like most canyon which you go down.
So I get to the gate and another four miles of gravel. I am gonna die. So now 13 miles of gravel which finally is down hill. Of course I dare not go at lighting speed. So finally I get to the ranger station 330 hours later at 1330 hours and its closed. WTF.
There is no primitive camping at the National Park WTF. Considering how primitive the park is anyway in every form of the word.
So disgusted I take in the view of the canyon and leave. I could have stayed on BLM just outside the park. Yet why wake up to 6 miles of gravel, the chance of rain, and not wanting to go back to visit the park.
So I went down hill and came back. It was a lot faster coming back mind you.
I did loose a screw and had to replace it. I do have another option only 10 miles away. So why not start the day off right. Rather than starting from a dead end.
Of course by the time it was 1200 I had all but lost my shower. Which is why I never go out of my way to get one. A sponge works just as good.
So today I will have done 50 miles and gone 20 towards my destination. Oh joy!
The view was lovely though amazing. Only a hand full of people were there.
So carry on I got ten more miles. Tomorrow will have some lovely scenery.
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So I camp out in Hotchkiss for 3 bucks and got a hot shower awesome. I missed getting rain on by going to the library.
I went ten miles to Crawford and the went to the North Rim Black Cannyon of Gunnison. The newest national park I 1999 this is going be awesome.
Another 14 miles and a camp site should await me with awesome views.

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I forgot a part. I woke up early and hiked down to the trail head on Monday. It didn't rain Sunday and I was hot most of the day. I walked in a loop and this took about 15 mins. Happy none of my bike stuff got wet or taken, I assembled my gear and put the cold descent clothes, gloves, hat, and all the above. Dressing in layers not to let that cold get me. I was headed into aspen freezing my assen.
I passed by a town called independance which was a ghost town. They lost the county seat to Aspen. They also lost the gold. The pass had been scared by a line on the cliff from way back when the stage coach was working it. They spent 2.9 million in restoration of the pass. I manage to fly down the hill in the cold. At times on comming trucks would take up the one laned roads. This was for a construction project. At one point they were chip sawing the road so I had to go a little slow. I did see some parachute people comming down. They were skilled landing in a baseball diamond shaped hay field. 3 of them I got the last in view of my camera.
I again saw a deer jump out in front of a car I was only 20 feet away. The car heading into aspen was going slow enough. They had a bike path yet this was way to narrow less than 2 feet. I knew I hit the town when I started to see the sewer manholes yet I was still I'm the country setting. The whole ride was idealyic. Hugging the cannyon and entering the valley and poof into Aspen it was so quick I got lost. I whipped out my map and started looking. I find a food store which had a map of the toewn and that helped out imennsly. So on 800 monday I got my food and was walking around the pedestran mall area near mill where there is th city park. (Beatiful city I must say). That is when I rolled over some chords that attached to a canera and another one attached to a microphone. "Wow we have to do man on the street". The rest is history.
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After completing my interview with Brandon on Plum TV ch 16 I went to the Aspen library. I got a half an hour of internet. I asked if I could get a copy of the interview with the intention of stopping by on the way out of town.
I took that time at the library to plan my route to Gunnison I figured 7 days maybe do some hiking in the black canyon recreation area.
So after that I charged my batteries read some news and looked at the Colorado gazette map.
Heading on out on 82 was torn apart, but they did have a bike path. I kept to the road as I tend to find them hard to navigate with a trailer and in general. They really like using roundabouts here in central CO about time we demanded more from drivers.
I went by the airport totally forgetting to stop. Maybe it was that big downhill, the traffic, planes, or too focused. I missed my chance. 82 is a four lane highway with stoplights (freeway)
The Airport sits alongside 82. I was watching a couple planes take off over head. They use the right lane as the HOV not sure how that works. This allows a bus easy access to the bus stops along the road. Weird to have bus stops along the rural freeway. So I am going down hill to Basalt I would reach 6800 feet by the time I was down in Carbondale. A nice 3000 foot plug. I reached Basalt and ordered Subway my first fast food since Rawlins WY. Lovely tuna and veggies.
I checked my messages and I see plum "Ben's big bike ride".
Wow that was fast! I only now needed to go back and retrieve my gift. No problem there hop on the bus and I will be back on tour in no time. Thanks Jon!
I bought some water (gallon) and a pop it was going to be a long day.
First the bike express which is two fold you can only board with bike at certain stations. Hence bike express, that and they allow lots of bikes in the bus. It costs an extra 2 bucks. One ride back up hill please?
I myself locked my bike and then took the another bus right after that. I arrived shortly and I was amazing how long it took me to cycle that. Even going down hill. The shoulder was huge, but debris and these drainage grates didn't help much.
I picked up my DvD and was off. I headed back to my bike in Basalt.
So know I could see the afternoon thunderstorms all black and foreboding.
I hopped on my bike and was doing about 30 with tail winds and the hill. A lady playfully stuck out her thumb as she waited for the bus. I was like right on as I zoomed past. The rain started and I kept a 27 mph pace trying desperately to get ahead until I have shelter. A few drops of cold reminders helped immensely. Just as I thought I would need to buckle down, I broke ahead and then made it into Carbondale. The shoulder drops off for construction and I need to turn left. This is where I forced my way onto the highway. I had nothing else I could do those orange barrels were coming up fast. I got them to move over (fiercely signalling to try the second lane, and after about a hundred feet I was able to turn onto 133 now using the left lane and then turn lane at the stoplight. Of course more construction on the bridge so I just took the lane and finally made it into Carbondale.
I then went to the library to watch myself (DvD) and get out of the rain I stayed there about 2 hrs and the rain stopped.
I didn't do to bad, I had some errors. I found it hard to describe my route for some reason. I sputtered on a word and didn't use forest instead park.
I looked ok and my gear wasn't to bad, even though I just threw on the food I bought instead of packing it.

I couldn't believe that was two mins seemed really short. Brandon did a great job pulling it all together.

After leaving this old town lined with the victorian facades and ped friendly layout. I headed over to get the last of my food and head out.
I ate a cinnamon roll, deli fries, 3 string cheeses, and had some rasions.
Now being night time I headed out for a three hour tour. This is known as the west elk scenic route. On Friday and Saturday I was on the Top of the Rockies route. For obvious reasons. My days went like this. Friday I went down and then up, on Saturday I went up, down, and up, on Monday I went down, and Tuesday I went up and Wed went down into Hotchkiss. We are talking about climb and descents of more than 1500 feet and up to 4000 feet.
133 had a 14 foot lane which was really nice now in the dark. My light finally died and I put fresh batteries. As you can tell I hate night riding. I want to see things. This was my second set of batteries. Yet I was in the forbidden zone of camping. After around 10 miles of cycling in the void I saw the White River Forest. Yet it was an illusion. For starters no camping withing 1/4 mile from Crystal River. Um I am in a valley with the river right next to me. Of course you could live within 1/4 mile. As I continually seen mailboxes. All of the roads in the forest were named. Until I got on top of Mclures pass were no one wanted to live all of a sudden I am at 517. Still even named Hunters Ridge. At least this was signed. Never saw 313 or 317, yet I could see a dark forest sign.
Another ruse to keep you away?
The forest that never was a forest until you got to an unpopular spot high above the valley where they close the road in winter at times.

Forced to play a hand I saw falling rock next 13 miles.
This means scenic and more importantly your last chance to find level ground. With out knowing, this is what the sign says to me.
I then found a wash or an inlet on Monday late night that would take me back a 100 feet. This ladies and gentleman is the proper distance from any water source or trail. Not some phony 1/4 mi. to keep people away. I looked for signs of recent activity, it would funnel right onto the road, pine cones and needles would be washed away, and it did rain yet no stream.
I did a 180 and propped my bike up against a tree. Almost turning my ankle in the process on a loose rock the size of a large potato.
I then found a safer place for me. I took my tarp and sleeping bag and found some level ground. Most likely a pond formation.
I got a whopping 4 hours of sleep and my body revolted at the thought of waking up to cycle. All those mailboxes would be coming to work. So they could collect some mail in the forest.
I woke up about 5 mins before the alarm (445) I got up strapped my gear on and slowly started out. The success of highbeamers in Co so far has been 20 % fail rate much better than Utah's 90%.
The sun started to break the overcast which kept me moist and semi warm from the late night chill. Light gave way and I made it into Redstone. Which like the name is in a Red Canyon. Which I can now see. I also looked at the Coke ovens which processed coal. Of course some how they managed not to let you near them, as though they were going to start up the operation tomorrow, and any my neglect (misuse) would send then into decay.
Yeah right.
So off I went, I met for the third day in a row a lone female cyclist riding off to some destination or passing me.
I then continued it looked like the road was going down hill and the river going up. The Crystal river was raging with all the glory.
I then saw my pass Mclures pass. Only 8768 Feet yet it proved steep and viscous. 3 miles of ouch and slowness.
Still a nice wide lane though.
I made it to the top and crashed sleeping that was. Receiving the sleep I needed I woke up and gorged on gronola bars, apricots, chicken, OJ, and cranberries. I found a stream nearby to act as a refrigerator for my Milk and OJ. Tonight I will gorge again. A nice easy day. More of a staging point. Not many places to sleep ahead of me.
An extra ten miles and a 2000 foot climb and some rest will help erase some of that. I will most likely try to squeeze a little father ahead. Knowing I can turn around I still have some climbing to do.
I stayed where I was, and it proved the right thing to do as there wasn't any more camping further than a mile.

At any rate there is this town called marble which harvests Marble ha! They built the Tomb of the unknown soldier. Lincoln , and the Denver Capital. Now defunct it was suppose to be really good marble.

I stayed there the night no rain only a sprinkle. I still put my gear in my tent.
I had a tomato, chicken, gronola bars, and apircots.

I started reading Tai- Pan which is taken from the 1850s wow and neat.

I woke up a little later on Tuesday ha! 630 this time put my gear on and headed out. I still had the crown of the hill so I walked a little ways and got on my bike.
I then went about 2000 feet and was in the Gunnison National Forest this was short lived.
I would descend 3000 feet making it to Hotchkiss. I had some good runs topping out at 38 miles one time. First I was in the valley for about 3 hours. Poania lake was beautiful as I winded my through the valley. It was a man made lake with an earthen dam. With cliffs on my right side and the lake on the left. The shoulder became 6 feet after the lake, with a rumble strip. Of course debris would make it horrible. I crossed the north fork of Gunnison river and entered the coal towns.
I passed by the coal towns of Somerset and Bowie. At the time coal was being loaded one car at a time.
I then made it about 12 miles out of Hotchkiss and I got no shoulder WTF? The drivers made up for the lack of shoulder. I then saw Paonia which placed a P in white along a hill. This is common in Utah towns.
They had fruit orchards and wine. I wasn't into wine tasting.
Now rolling hills greeted me outside the valley from the 12 mi mark. Up and down how tired are you?
It was getting hotter dropping below 6000 feet. I reached Hotchkiss yet no cell bummer. I went through the downtown and doubled back to the closed museum and then found the fairgrounds. This would be the closest fairgrounds to the city I have seen/been yet.
The town boasted a food store and hardware store that was about it for coperate america. Mostly home town business.
My first time below 6000 feet in a long time. Hot and 87.
I would of course be going uphill after I left this town. The clouds don't looks so friendly where I came from. Hope that is going away from me. I already have 40 miles and need another 20. Good thing I rested. This is a nasty stretch of don't camp here.
The fairgrounds did have water and I was debating if I want to go to the food store.
After checking things out things out they allow camping for 3 dollars. I was all over that, restrooms, water, picnic tables, and electricity. Some people charge 15 dollars and don't even provide water. I then ate some canned pasta, green beans, apricots, and a couple of PB tortillas for my lunch. I then rested a bit. Noticing the rain I hit the library to update my blog and wait for the rain to end. I manage to hit this on the right day as they are open late. It was nice and chilly from the soaring heat. You have to love your library.
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I climbed it and camped overnight looking at the sunset and me looking over the 12000 foot pass.

the backside of the pass or West side.

Still trucking this might be my longest day out on the tour. Looking at Twin Lakes and MT Perry,

Looking at MT ALbert and then the ram, now looking back at MT. perry.

I am climbing Independance Pass on my to climbing the continental divide again.

Waiting for the road to open one lane construction. MT Albert 1443 feet highest in the 48 states.

Arksnas river and floodplain.This is Saturday.

So still in the forrest, crossing the Dvide the first time today, a shot at the rockies, Nice water station along the Pass

White River Nation park.

Bus stop in nowhere, Last picture is camp Hale in the National Park you can see the main road of the Camp.

Still going up this is the top and then I go down so no pictures. Around the bend sitting on the Eagle river.

This is the Eagle river bridge.

I am taking a breather on the Eagle river.

Still going up looking back at what i

did.

going down?

The bike path heading outside Vail to 24

then looking at a small hill 1500 feet this was about a quater of the way up. This is looking ontop of that hill i climbed. The bus didn't make it up the hill.

ll

I had to first hike down which literally I hiked downhill. I got in and then went dowhill some more CO has been the only state that I have had construction zones.

Well I woke up early and headed into Aspen freezin my assen. I hung onto the cliff at times one lane roads and of course narrow as can be other times.
It was gorgeous going through the valley.
Upon reaching the beatiful town of aspen I got some more food. Then I was kinda lost, but the food store had maps. So now I am trying find the laundromat which I will just forget about considering it most likely expensive right in the downtown area.
So I am going through this ped mall. And plum tv wants to interview me.
Wholly crap I am gonna be on tv. I wasn't ready for this. I could barely contain myself. They were doing man on the street. Brandon starts talking as the camera counts "3, 2,1 "
"Welcome back we have ben here from Phoenix"
I was like wholly crap. I had some many things I need to look at my hair, my gear, and a shave.
I got so nervous I forgot how many days I was on tour considering my last post Dang!
I talk about how I get library books.
I took off my geeky gear.
I still am trmbling a bit.
It happened so fast I was like holly crap what do I say.
Wow
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After spending the night at Hale I departed early at 700 hours. I was packing my gear up when, a guy pulled up in his car hopped out and was in an army uniform. He wanted directions to the bow hunting thing how ironic defunct army base.
I have seen lots of wildlife over the last couple days, porcupine, ram, fox, a dozen dear allotted together not all at once, beaver, and chipmunks.
I was at 9200 feet they call it Pando valley. Right after leaving the valley I climbed Tennessee pass 10400 feet. 5 miles. My first crossing of the great divide.
A bicycle lady passed me going double the speed. I also talked to Jeff my first ped I saw on my trip. He camped at Hale also. Some nice people left some water for cyclists about the same time I saw Jeff. We talked briefly he and I strode up the pass. He came from Copper Mt. He was a fast hiker. He went over another pass to get to Hale and I took the longer way a road.
I soon figured out this was a popular bicycle loop route considering you can take 91 and 24 giving you a century. Or close. Lots of roadies.
There was a construction zone and we had to wait with the flag man. MT Albert at 14443 feet is the highest of the 48 states. I looked on.
As we were getting ready to leave I got handed a stake which would make me the last person in line. When I got there I moved over so the waiting oncoming traffic could use the one lane.
I took a short break and talked with Ma her son was the flaggman and her daughter was another flagwoman. She was the one who told me about Albert. Kinda weird standing in the oncoming lane with a line of cars in front of you. After that it was a small lane with a big dirt patch people had to plow over this to pass me ha!
Finally a way to slow them down.
I got into Leadville after one more hill at 10200 feet it made me lethargic. I was going to the minning museum until they said 7 bucks. Sure not only do they exploit earth they also exploit people. I got back on my bike previously I went to a food store to pick up some milk a few items. I left to go look at the forest ranger station but it was closed on Sat. I left Leadville. It was a nice long downhill run with the Arkansas river by my side. This also was the head waters for it.
I then exited on 82 to Aspen. First 6 miles to Twin Lakes city and $ 2.34 a litter of water. I then went over to the visitor center and found my camping spot. I then headed out to Independence pass I was noticing some black clouds behind me due to Massive MT I thought I could beat it and then with the sun shinning a sprinkle which turned into a 30 min down pour. I found a trail head and covered my bike with the tarp, then I took shelter in a mass of evergreens. The clouds soon broke and I was heading for the sunshine.
Which never left my view. I then reached the pass and started climbing. The pass was brutal and cold with snow all around me. It felt as though I was in a refrigerator.
I climbed the pass making two continental divide crossings in one day.
I stopped at the scenic overlook at found a spot to put my tent up. I was going to push the issue, if someone wants me to move then so be it. I woke up around and waited with the sunrise at 12000 feet. It felt a lot warmer now for some reason. I don't even see my breath. I left the rain fly off so the tent could dry off.
So with that this my rest day. I will once I can see head down to my forest road and make a new camp. I didn't quite make it last night.
My goal has been met. Today just sleep. Monday 15 miles to Aspen. Then another 30 to 133. My new extension is a lot of miles. So I want to push my self in the beginning. If I can knock out route 82 by the 21st of July. I will still have 15 days left. Roughly 300 miles left that should be easy if no problems arise. Who knows I still have one more extension option.
Which takes me through Pikes peak park. My last 6 days have been wonder full. Good thing I didn't just sit down in the forest and wilt.

I woke up with sunrise well a little before on Sunday. This was my highest camp at 12000 feet. Having cycled for 10 hours on Saturday and then a short nap at night I was tired.
I have know added artic tundra to my list of environments.
It was like a stale air to cold to bring any more life than six inches of grass and flowers. The snow was still plenty which created small arctic pools.
After getting all the pictures I could take I mounted my bike and went over the top of the Independence pass. I found a nice water fall by mi. 60 (are everywhere) and collected some water. Then again gazed at the valley below for a few mins. I then continued to upper lost man trail. I decided to find something easier. So I went to Lower lost man trail. There I filtered 1.5 liters of water. Ate green beans, animal crackers, ramon noodles, cranberries, and had PB tortillas. My stash is getting low. Still have some food but need some more after my oatmeal spilled out in my panniers. I hope Aspen doesn't jack me on food.
After my huge feast I packed a small cache of food and got my hiking gear in order. I hiked about a half hour and found a spot over a dry ravine (hope it doesn't rain).
Level ground, 100 feet from a trail or water is very hard to find. Which is why I didn't do upper lost man.
Getting up so early made me sleepy so I went to bed and then read some of my novel.

I finished the Da Vinci code off my novel finished. Off PBs most of my animal crackers and raisins. The day was refreshing cool. With night fallen onto me I slipped on my warm gear and fell asleep at 10,000 feet.
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For the first time I counted how many days my tour is. I never wanted to be on a schedule. I was close and planned for lots of time as the extensions of my tour show. I wanted to see and experience my travels rather than merely pass them by.
83 days.
I am on my 66th day.
In a whirlwind of travel. I am lost into a world of my own. I still remember all those foolish things I did when first starting out. I have grown up a lot.
Now comming to a close this epic journey torn on wanting it to last and continuing with my old life. Questioning how things will change or remain the same as before as though on a different shore?
For now I can drown out these haunting answers with strokes of labor filling my days. No purpose other than to go forward with the next, nothing to stop my progress, and yet no destination needed to continue forth.
No success and no failure finds me, only personal conquests and mirrored smiles.
I have come to get lost in myself and found companionship. I have come to find peace where only modern sounds entrap me.
Is this the beginning in what I am about to end. Shall I find the answers resting on the deep bottoms?



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Well it rained about 20 mins after I set up camp oh what fun, it must have rained during while I was sleeping everything outside was drenched when I woke up. It took about 9 am to start drying out. I am reading the Di Vinci code. I had the first book Angels and Demons. which I found at my job. I have been wanting to read this for so long. I finally saw it up on the shelf. I was like running out to my vehicle to get a book to exchange. They had a huge assortment of books must have been a thousand free books.
So I read a little, his books are easy reads. I like to jot things down in my notebook and look at them latter.
He makes my note book full.
So most likely it will be read twice.
After carefully collecting all my gear from my tent not to get the red rust anywhere. I put all the gear on my bike. I did this in between pumping air into my tire. A slow leak and goning downhill on a forest road spell bad news for a low tire. At this time I broke my speedometer since the handle bars were cocked far right. I managed to pull the wire loose. So I got everything back on I was getting good at this now it rains every night. I managed to get some rust on my tarp and a small stain on my day pack but everything else was fine. I had some spray due to lack of front fender that collected on my front panniers.
I talked to pop up camper man who loves to play his acoustic guitar at 0000 hours. The full moon made everything super bright. Skeeters and the cold kept me from looking at the scene to much.
He is looking for housing ouch. Vail and housing are hard to come by since you can rent a condo for a week for thousands of dollars.
I imagine.
So I said " good luck!" And was off. It was a whole lot easier comming down it was a popular forest road. I stopped several times on the one lane red road. People passing in there shiny vehicles I smirked. I even seen a Mita wow. Forest roads are like torture for vehicles. This wasn't to bad a lot of money went into maintaining this road. Normally they are the lowest of the lows in terms of smooth travel. This had some hairy sections. Like boulders creeping out of the road but was rather good as I said.
Finally reaching pavement I noticed my speedo. Dam!
I went into Vail to get my free internet time and read the news paper. I left after that and filled my tire to 95 psi . At the small busy Conoco station. The only gas in town?
I then road the bike path to US road 24 it had a nice wide shoulder I then arrived at the town Minton????
Where I found a c store to change my tire. I made a jack for my trailer with plastic cartons and fixed my wheel. I looked very carefully for what caused it. Sure thing a black piece of wire stick up. I was now satisfied in repairing such a slow leaker. Next to an air hose makes changing a tire a snap. I did notice my defunct tube was like glued to my tire wired. The light tan inside helped identify foreign objects. I put it back and now spent 1.50 on air. O well.
I moved on I could see some black clouds so I headed for shelter at little beach park. There was a band shell and it was mine. I then had a big lunch. Tortillas, ramon, cranberries and animal crackers. I really was tempted to buy some more cheap food but I was able to control my self. I have another two towns that should have something for a price. We will see. Besides I didn't want to carry all that weight. I have enough still.
I did want water but the store I stopped at didn't have anything big enough. So I tried to filter my water at the park yet minning ruined that and the water tasted like crappy minerals. So I managed to get what amounts to a gallon with what I already had plus filtering. And either hoped to find some better stuff on the way or just ration my self Leadville is not to far away and I should have plenty. The park sat beside the Eagle river.
I saw a break in the clouds now or never.
As I was sitting in the park I watched a guy try to kite board (with a trainer kite) he was practicing. Dumb ass place for a place like this. I was waiting for the kite to go right into the power lines ten feet away. I did get a pic though. So now I am off after a nice lunch I have about 14 miles to camp Hale.

I went back to a bike shop in Minton and they didn't have the art I needed I was off. The town had a lot of wrong gravel shoulder riders. At one point I took the lane. The traffic was adhering to the 25 mph limit. There were lots of signs in this town saying slow down we love out children and other signs.
Upon leaving town a guy honked at me and flipped the bird, and I told him off like I had some place else to ride.

The shoulder never gain conscious all the way up the massive hill. A bus broke down on the hill. I was amazed they had bus service in the middle of nowhere. Gotta love Eagle county.
If I see a bus in Leadville I might take that to go shopping ;)
So I had what the computer said 1500 feet to climb. Riding along the outer cliff I had at times drop offs over a thousand feet the scenery was out of this world. The great thing about this the speed is slower for everyone I had no close calls here. Even Semis, however I could see them comming so I just pulled over at a pullout for some of them.
I reached the top and then wahoo on the descent it was really windy and I was weaving back and forth. I pulled up to the Eagle river Gorge where you can go to Red Cliff or across the Eagle River bridge. I went across the bridge after dropping into the canyon and stopped at a bus stop. Ha a bus stop!
Then I put my warm gear on the sun had vanished from the steep canyon. I started cycle in the valley still following the river. It be came slower at this point. Beavers galore. Dam ha!
I then entered the White River National Forest.
I had to do one more medium sized climb. Here I heard screeching tires and some mad truck driver. I screamed "your in a frikin forest." Speed limit was 35 mph. I did this after I pulled way off of the to avoid the idot on the hair pin turns.
Still following the river which was glassy now, reflecting all which watch from above. I also at one point watched the beavers swim about.
Then just before Camp Hale I saw a huge gathering by the bow hunters.
The food smelled so good.
I rounded the corner I had seen the mile marker and new I was going to be ontop of the camp. I saw the satellite picture so instantly recognized the one road which would have been the main road in camp. I was exhausted from the climbs and it felt good to see me campsite. Now Hale is a dispersed camping mecca a 1000 buildings stood here once, now a 1000 rvs pony up. They even try to sell the campground yea fat chance.
They leveled the land and I think I am sleeping on some old Barrick foundation which is hard rocks. Nice and level though. I wonder if the men would have approved such a RV haven?
I feel honored to be in the same place as a 10th MT division. I even felt like one eating canned foods from my army issued can opener. Lasanga and corn.
Now it is time for some novel and then night night.
I climb another 2500 feet tomorrow. 16 miles wasn't much but a chance to spend a night at camp Hale yep gotta do it.
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Another night!
I left Vail after my gondala ride to the top of the MT. I suppose to see Holly Cross never happened. However did see lots of 14 teeners. The amazing view helped that I didn't have to climb. I joked " this is the easiest MT I have climbed yet." After they found I was from Phoenix we all had a laugh.
One interesting thing is they don't stop them you just jump in. It isn't going to fast and wheel chair people have e it stopped for them. It was great like a roller coaster ride. In winter an all day pass will cost over a hundred bucks. Today free. There was some lighting in the area so it was shut down for about 45. The thing is you get stuck up there once it shuts down. So I went up marveled at the beauty. And got back down when it started to rain. No way I wanted to get stuck up there for hours. They also have a place you can get married. Like I saw the cross I could see yet it is 1500 feet so maybe the rain or snow prevented this.
Comming back down I was all by myself. I was dancing and yelling it was awesome. The rain was comming down pretty hard now or was it this side of the MT. What about my stuff? At first you feel some Gs but it settles down. It was great feeling descending into the compact village. It was also neat to get a birds eye view now that I had bike the town a few times.
The subsided by the time I got down thank my stars. There was a couple who where going to hike down the thing ha! In that shorts and t shirt wow cold and wet.
I picked up my dry bike and forged through the mass of people walking about. Funny they have dismount zones.
I then with any ped friendly town cross I 70 with a ped bridge, and found Sandstone road which turns into 700 forest road which I could see from my ride down the MT.
After a 1.5 hours walking and biking I was about top give up. See I was in a forest so no problems there, yet I was going aside a steep cliff so no level ground. Finally a turn and poof power lines. Which means access road and Ben finds a nice level camp site. There is a pop up camper here also. So success.
Free gondala ride, free bike adjustment, and free night stay. All in probably the most expensive place in CO.
I am in red sand stone hence the road it gets everywhere and stains everything red.
Just like back in my tour.
Last night it rained and I hope we can avoid that yuck.

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Heading down South 125 past the Continental divide into windy gap. And the windy Gap Res.

Going into Kremmling on US 40 two tales of death one a nice valley over looking the Colorado river and the other a death trap ready to run you off the road if you get in there way.