Tuesday, August 5, 2008

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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Monday, August 4, 2008

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!