I am at Vail Pass 10600 feet this country is amazing!
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Today was bike heaven. No cars, crosswalks, semis, or life flashes. Just me and my bike path. I took the bike path from Frisco to just outside Vail CO. I will start the morning with a long descent into Vail. It wasn't a long day but I did climb a 10600 foot pass. Going to Vail to Frisco is much much steeper. Painfully steeper. I made it over Vail Pass. You can see the ski runs on the satellite.
My day started out by a nice downhill hike to my bike. What a lovely walk it was. Meadow creek was raging in all her furry. After making it to the trail head I sighed a relief my stuff was there.
Most thiefs don't sit at the trail to steal camping stuff but you never know. Punks is what I am worried about.
I hooked up with the bike trail head just upon leaving town. Frisco was had a ton of bikeways and all were signed. It was a pass with MTs on both side just outside town. I scored two books one book I have wanted to read for the longest time. I traded my Godfather book in. I never finished this book. I figure I can read it sometime latter. The bike path was filled with riders and even some skateboards. Only two tourists, yet they had support (not carrying anything). Every one was real supportive. A lady congratulated me upon reaching the pass "great job."
The scenery was out of this world. I was in a lush green forest winding me through going over wooden bridges to forge Polk and Corral creeks. Copper MT was a vail wanna be from what I can see it was built much latter. The town reminds you of a Swiss village. there was a huge 30 foot bike lane leading into town. I kinda got lost though, but I just started looking to where all the cyclist were going. They had some kind of road demo so lots of roadies. At one point a Pedelton group rode by seeing me on my trailer there were yelling "right" and holding out there hands so the group would remain in their lane. The self supported tourist managed to get a flat somehow. They had a spare and still managed to pass me. There were also the only ones who yelled "left" when passing me.
Upon leaving Copper Mt. I rode in between the Interstates north and south bound lanes. It was frikin gorgeous. With a creek running beside the bike path. A little on the recreational side but I didn't mind to much.
I climbed only 1600 feet at the top of the pass was a Rest stop. I ate dinner and relaxed. A greyhound bus was there and every outlet was full of charging cell phones.
After green beans, gronala bar, crackers, cranberries and some milk I left. I was now going down hill O yeah!
I followed a old highway road and then it ended with a bike path. This is more of what I wanted a road that went right along the interstate. I think a wall could help the lights at night. The path was graded nicely to interstate standards. It veered off path a little but was constant. Until in went under the bridge which left you in a wilderness wonderland if you like the color of green everywhere. Fresh with small creeks letting you know your alive.
I finished up after I saw a nice pull out and said good night.
Today was one of my best days on tour. There are more cyclists going down the path than Amsterdam on a rainy day.
Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile
My day started out by a nice downhill hike to my bike. What a lovely walk it was. Meadow creek was raging in all her furry. After making it to the trail head I sighed a relief my stuff was there.
Most thiefs don't sit at the trail to steal camping stuff but you never know. Punks is what I am worried about.
I hooked up with the bike trail head just upon leaving town. Frisco was had a ton of bikeways and all were signed. It was a pass with MTs on both side just outside town. I scored two books one book I have wanted to read for the longest time. I traded my Godfather book in. I never finished this book. I figure I can read it sometime latter. The bike path was filled with riders and even some skateboards. Only two tourists, yet they had support (not carrying anything). Every one was real supportive. A lady congratulated me upon reaching the pass "great job."
The scenery was out of this world. I was in a lush green forest winding me through going over wooden bridges to forge Polk and Corral creeks. Copper MT was a vail wanna be from what I can see it was built much latter. The town reminds you of a Swiss village. there was a huge 30 foot bike lane leading into town. I kinda got lost though, but I just started looking to where all the cyclist were going. They had some kind of road demo so lots of roadies. At one point a Pedelton group rode by seeing me on my trailer there were yelling "right" and holding out there hands so the group would remain in their lane. The self supported tourist managed to get a flat somehow. They had a spare and still managed to pass me. There were also the only ones who yelled "left" when passing me.
Upon leaving Copper Mt. I rode in between the Interstates north and south bound lanes. It was frikin gorgeous. With a creek running beside the bike path. A little on the recreational side but I didn't mind to much.
I climbed only 1600 feet at the top of the pass was a Rest stop. I ate dinner and relaxed. A greyhound bus was there and every outlet was full of charging cell phones.
After green beans, gronala bar, crackers, cranberries and some milk I left. I was now going down hill O yeah!
I followed a old highway road and then it ended with a bike path. This is more of what I wanted a road that went right along the interstate. I think a wall could help the lights at night. The path was graded nicely to interstate standards. It veered off path a little but was constant. Until in went under the bridge which left you in a wilderness wonderland if you like the color of green everywhere. Fresh with small creeks letting you know your alive.
I finished up after I saw a nice pull out and said good night.
Today was one of my best days on tour. There are more cyclists going down the path than Amsterdam on a rainy day.
Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
So after getting to the Meadow trail head I decided to eat dinner with the skeeters. I then placed my food up in the tree and locked my bike to the same tree. I left some items that could be replaced. I then took my back pack and headed up the hill. It was a steep climb, but I was rewarded with a stunning view of Frisco.
Not many days can I stay next to a city. That darn forbidden zone. At the night town gleamed with light below me. The ground was lumping and shifting to one side. There logs that created a huge bump just at the end of me feet. The hill was angled making sleep hard to muster. I played on the internet. Funny up on this hill the only place I can get good reception. I finally found comfort and dreamt. Upon waking late knowing I had the whole day to spend in town. I noticed my tire getting low. So I walked my bike down the gravel road no use in getting a flat with the rocks jetting out. It was a short walk. Some had trained there dog to run along side the car. I saw them twice now must be daily excerise. After a short walk. I hoped on my bike. Since the roundabout leads to I 70 I had to push my in by riding on the right hand side. After that a nice shoulder greeted me and then a gas station. I bought some air happy the pressure went up to 90psi. The last Kum & Go had free air, but the pressure was only up to 70 psi. Of this was the only place to get air.
I headed to Frisco's historic park where : school houses on the original site, cabins filled with displays, houses filled with displays, and a chapel greet me. It was great to learn about the history and free. One interesting thing about Frisco is they lost most of there economy, now on the interstate corridor they created a tourist mecca. It is bike and Ped utopia. With hiking trails just outside the city limits and 4 dozen trails which they even give you a topo hand out for them. Discussing the trail and such. The bike paths take you through forest, marshes and congress enacted wilderness.
The town itself has really grown up since pop 30 in the 1930s amazing what a interstate can do. They also built the straight creek tunnel. Which goes through the continental divide.
After breakfast with out skeeters, I walked through the buildings, and then headed over to the library for my precious hour. They have a free newspaper called The Summit (the county name) in there u learned they just closed the Dillion dam road about a week ago. This is the only way a car can go with out I70 it was bike utopia. Of course you had a choice deserted road or bike path.
The closure was over threats. And no immediate danger would occur as they would channel it away.
Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile
Not many days can I stay next to a city. That darn forbidden zone. At the night town gleamed with light below me. The ground was lumping and shifting to one side. There logs that created a huge bump just at the end of me feet. The hill was angled making sleep hard to muster. I played on the internet. Funny up on this hill the only place I can get good reception. I finally found comfort and dreamt. Upon waking late knowing I had the whole day to spend in town. I noticed my tire getting low. So I walked my bike down the gravel road no use in getting a flat with the rocks jetting out. It was a short walk. Some had trained there dog to run along side the car. I saw them twice now must be daily excerise. After a short walk. I hoped on my bike. Since the roundabout leads to I 70 I had to push my in by riding on the right hand side. After that a nice shoulder greeted me and then a gas station. I bought some air happy the pressure went up to 90psi. The last Kum & Go had free air, but the pressure was only up to 70 psi. Of this was the only place to get air.
I headed to Frisco's historic park where : school houses on the original site, cabins filled with displays, houses filled with displays, and a chapel greet me. It was great to learn about the history and free. One interesting thing about Frisco is they lost most of there economy, now on the interstate corridor they created a tourist mecca. It is bike and Ped utopia. With hiking trails just outside the city limits and 4 dozen trails which they even give you a topo hand out for them. Discussing the trail and such. The bike paths take you through forest, marshes and congress enacted wilderness.
The town itself has really grown up since pop 30 in the 1930s amazing what a interstate can do. They also built the straight creek tunnel. Which goes through the continental divide.
After breakfast with out skeeters, I walked through the buildings, and then headed over to the library for my precious hour. They have a free newspaper called The Summit (the county name) in there u learned they just closed the Dillion dam road about a week ago. This is the only way a car can go with out I70 it was bike utopia. Of course you had a choice deserted road or bike path.
The closure was over threats. And no immediate danger would occur as they would channel it away.
Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
I left Walden little did I know cell coverage was not going to be there for another 80 miles till Silverthrone.
After a hell ride from Six mile campground just north of the Colorado border. Which included strong 25 knot head winds, then a MT pass which before I crossed the Platte river. (Gorgeous) after the descent more incline then rolling hills I went 26 miles and it felt like 40. I had though crossed over in WY and into CO this was the last state.
I met Lucas at the park in Walden CO and he loved to tell me how much crap I had. No wonder why his friend is going home early on his tour. Sure I got a lot of stuff compared to most, but then again from my blog you can see why. At any rate, I talked to the lawn man, he stated "I don't see why you don't take a plane."
I then left Walden (Wed.) and went through Rand that had one shop that was closed, then went into the Rott National forest, I found a map that they pin up for you, and then found forest road 756. It looked like a timber box as all the forest is dead from beetles. I stayed there till Sunday after I found a MT stream.
I read three novels one took a matter of 18 hours.
My daily chore was filtering my water which is like spitting in the jug with a pumping motion.
I was happy though resting reading and dipping my feet in the ice cold water. On the label it said 100 percent Mt water. Yep it sure was. I could even see the snow pack where it came from.
At this time if not already mentioned have been making oatmeal and Ramon noodles with out a fire, works great.
After a hell ride from Six mile campground just north of the Colorado border. Which included strong 25 knot head winds, then a MT pass which before I crossed the Platte river. (Gorgeous) after the descent more incline then rolling hills I went 26 miles and it felt like 40. I had though crossed over in WY and into CO this was the last state.
I met Lucas at the park in Walden CO and he loved to tell me how much crap I had. No wonder why his friend is going home early on his tour. Sure I got a lot of stuff compared to most, but then again from my blog you can see why. At any rate, I talked to the lawn man, he stated "I don't see why you don't take a plane."
I then left Walden (Wed.) and went through Rand that had one shop that was closed, then went into the Rott National forest, I found a map that they pin up for you, and then found forest road 756. It looked like a timber box as all the forest is dead from beetles. I stayed there till Sunday after I found a MT stream.
I read three novels one took a matter of 18 hours.
My daily chore was filtering my water which is like spitting in the jug with a pumping motion.
I was happy though resting reading and dipping my feet in the ice cold water. On the label it said 100 percent Mt water. Yep it sure was. I could even see the snow pack where it came from.
At this time if not already mentioned have been making oatmeal and Ramon noodles with out a fire, works great.
I spent my three days in the forest. I read Blind Faith and In case.
One was a cold case murder pretty good but it only took 15 hours to read. In case was excellent. Funny how I keep reading the old ones. 1968, 1979 and now the Godfather.
About the only time I moved from my tent was to go filter water. It is like spitting in a cup but your arm is pumping causing the spitting.
I found a lovely spot the water was freezing. Lots of silver looking flakes around.
I could see where the snow pack was melting right into my hands.
On sunday I did a reposition which I climbed 9600 feet and crossed the continental divide. I was fresh and hungry I wasn't going to waste away 20 days no I am touring. With that I woke up early on Monday. I forgot my wool socks in the tent my feet stung until I put my boots on then slowly warmed up. It is July 14 and I almost got frostbite sheesh. This was another reason to keep moving. I can see my breath at night. I made in to Windy Gap the start of the colorado river. Upon a major trash dump at the rest/wildlife viewing area I felt a couple pounds lighter. Rabbit is decomposing in the trash. I kept and then donated the other two books which kept there covers in Kremmling. I followed downhill with the colorado river to Kremmling CO. It was a nice easy 24 miles mostly down hill. Lots of public land. A nice wide shoulder made it to just outside Kremmling. Of course after that I was nearly killed a half a dozen times. With one semi running me off the road. I watched the CO river and it looked like any other lazy river. However it was fast moving. I was moving through the flood plain the river caused which was a combination at Bryer canyon it was a huge gorge. I straddle the side of a cliff the RR tracks where on the other side and the river was craving through the chocolate colored rocks. This confirmed I need to tour more. I went slow and took it all in. With the canyon walls towering above the river applauding my ever stroke. I then crossed over into the flat lands and eventually Kremmling. .
I made into the city and checked in with the forest ranger to see where I could camp. After that my cell hates CO and Verizon loves them. So I headed to the visitor center and found the library and the grocery store. The best grocery store since Rock Springs WY. I was so happy. I bought about 4 days worth of food and some milk. I then sat in the park and read a bit travelling so far 43 miles.
Yet since I got up early I could rest for a couple of hours and still ride another 12. I missed 318 somehow not sure dang. I kept on to Greely Res. And then found a forest road. Of course all day long signs galore yet when I want to camp nothing after Kremmling. I slept right next to a log cabin. I put the wire gate back up and saw no trespass signs and I was in the area of a forrest. Besides who uses a wire a gate?
So now I have 20 days and I think I am going to Aspen CO. I still will have to stall for time and back track. . Should be fun. SR 9 is another no shoulder death trap. Using my mirror I took the lane and no one had troubles passing after I moved over. A couple of Semis I just stopped for.
Almost done with the Godfather. I got three more books ready to rock.
My view is out of this world.
So I woke up and collected my food bag from the nail inbedded in the cabin.
It was the best sleep in days since I was sheltered from the morning sun ( I thought it was going to rain). I had level ground. I arose late and headed to Silvertrhone I was climbing about a 1000 feet yet it wasn't to bad. At one point I stopped to watch a minning company had this big drudge in the middle of a large pond. I crossed the Blue river several times. Along this route I found Mts streams which created flowing water falls. Small but still the sound was beautiful.
I then found Silverthrone and a four lane with a shoulder which went away.
They had a bike path yet I refuse to dismount my bike every time I come to a cross walk. Why give up your right away is what I say. If by law you have to dismount your bike!
I settled in and found another forest ranger station she helped me with a bike path that goes along. I 70 wow what a find.
After I got some more food maybe to much, but I am like a fiend. Not knowing how many days till I get this good of a selection.
I am going to take 5 days to get into Leadville. So I am going to eat like a king. I went on over to the bike path which was a huge 600 foot hill up. This was an earthen levee to hold back the resivor. I went along the lake and then into Frisco. It took me through a forest and then I diverted to find my camp site. Using the map I got from ranger lady. I found a nice hill to climb. After parking my bike at the trail head.
After using the bike path to frisco it was nice not having to compete with loaded weapons.
I was so slow going up the steep streets. I could barely make it through the stop light.
Now I am atop of or close on hill looking down on Frisco and then lake behind. Dillion CO is 9100 feet. I am almost 10000 feet up.
I forgot to format mu card so pictures will most likely have to wait. Internet time at libraries is busy and so unless I find some time there I most likely won't be able to get any pics sent.
However look for me to rebuild this blog once I get back to MLPS.
I have been on the ACA route so the tourist should peel away once I start making my own route tomorrow. I like the mystery of not knowing.
For the next three days I won't be looking over my shoulder. I will have peace on my bicycle highway.
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Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Sarasota by the Colorado border in Medicine Bow National forest.
I am back in forest land there is no looking back. Yesterday should be my last paid camp site.
My day started with some left over burgers. Steve had pulled up about 20 mins after I set my camp up.
We both came from Rawlins. He is a faster cyclist than me. So after we talked a bit. Found out he is from MLPS yahoo. He is doing the Trans tour by ACA.
The next morning.
He then went to the Library and I went to the hot springs or hobo pool. Which is right off the North Platte river. So you can swim in ice cold water and then go sit in 115 degree water. Talk about awesome and free. I met people from the Rainbow gathering sounds hippy, gay, or hobo never figured that part out. The mineral water made my skin foliage. It looked like a wading pool with a sandy bottom. There were bubbles comming up from the sandy part. Just small little vent bubbles. The source was encased in rocks and you swam in the collection. Then go dip yourself in the fast flowing water of the ice cold river. I finished up and headed to the closed library.
Upon leaving town I was headed to the closed Museum when steve comes rolling out. Hay!
There was a small hill as Sarasota sits on the 100 year flood plain. Or 500?
At any rate they put the airport on higher ground next to the museum.
I could live in this town just for the springs. I over heard there was a fire on BLM land. Near Pinedale.
More stupids starting camp fires.
I am back in forest land there is no looking back. Yesterday should be my last paid camp site.
My day started with some left over burgers. Steve had pulled up about 20 mins after I set my camp up.
We both came from Rawlins. He is a faster cyclist than me. So after we talked a bit. Found out he is from MLPS yahoo. He is doing the Trans tour by ACA.
The next morning.
He then went to the Library and I went to the hot springs or hobo pool. Which is right off the North Platte river. So you can swim in ice cold water and then go sit in 115 degree water. Talk about awesome and free. I met people from the Rainbow gathering sounds hippy, gay, or hobo never figured that part out. The mineral water made my skin foliage. It looked like a wading pool with a sandy bottom. There were bubbles comming up from the sandy part. Just small little vent bubbles. The source was encased in rocks and you swam in the collection. Then go dip yourself in the fast flowing water of the ice cold river. I finished up and headed to the closed library.
Upon leaving town I was headed to the closed Museum when steve comes rolling out. Hay!
There was a small hill as Sarasota sits on the 100 year flood plain. Or 500?
At any rate they put the airport on higher ground next to the museum.
I could live in this town just for the springs. I over heard there was a fire on BLM land. Near Pinedale.
More stupids starting camp fires.
After keeping up for 8 miles I settled into my Ben pace. We were headed to Riverside pop 50. A vister center greeted Steve and then me. Joy quickly had me pin a pin on the map where I am from. She even had a world map. This was the most novel thing I seen at the visitor center. We located the library at Encampment. Which is what it is as the miners would stage here and then go into the mines in them hills. The c store still had the original frame work and storage areas from the olden days.
I found a new route to Boulder and then a Denverite gave me the route into Denver. I am about 225 miles away when I get into Walden CO. I am so excited things are going smoothly. I have my forest land again till Boulder.
The new route avoids Rocky National Park and a 10700 foot MT. This also just looks easier.
I head down to I 70 take the frontage road I found at the library and then come back up. Awesome. Wyoming Route 70 which I had the chance to take still has snow and lots of it at 11000 feet. I am glad I stuck out the Interstate route.
So I filled my water, batteries, and stomach (green beans, 5 PB tortillas, gronola bars).
I left ahead of the speed Demon. I timed it about right and he met (visibility) me at the Skyline. Then mesequtios had found me so I had to dart off. He stated "I can see you a mile away a little orange dot."
Then the head wind and masking my scent also. I reached my forest access road (492) and we talked a bit. His handle bars were to low so he should be getting a riser since he is very tall.
After he pulled out his awesome Map from ACA it told to contact the Sheriff and he could sleep in Walden's city park. I wish Saratoga's sheriff felt the same way. With no map I visited the National forest station before I left town and found a lovely place to bed down for the night. One more night in Wyoming. After a quick two miles I found a nice level (unlike yesterday) slanted site. No flag poles which harvest a flag all night. No lights and no cars driving in and out. Just the birds and peace.
All in all it was a great day. I am seeing so many tourist out there this is great.
I can hear the mosquitoes.
Hear them in my tent thank you!
The 45 miles was rather easy broken up into two rides.
The second had a 1000 foot hill. Still rather easy. Steve is going for the 68. Good luck I hate driving in the dark. Since I like to see things and take pictures. I always can see voids in my trip because I traveled at night.
The wildlife has been amazing. Swans, more deer things, badger /wolverines, and gophers. The rivers swift with melted snow pack.
6 mile camp ground to Walden.
So started early to avoid the skeeters with my warm clothes on now.
I head a strong head wind, then I crossed the Platter river again and walked up the MT pass. After getting through I had a incline into Crowdley CO. I mey some fellow tourist. This was like the interstate of touring with ACA maps uising this route.
I cycled my 22 miles stopped in a food store for some grocceries. A lady offered me her yogurt and some really awesome bug spray. After spending money on the inflated (gas) prices I managed to eek out a couplke days worth of food. I am back up to 7 days.
I will get some water in Rand.
I went to the library wher two females were using the men's bathroom to look at some pressed flowers. Talk about weird.
Next up lunch and then onto Rand another 20 miles. Then onto the national forest. Come out monday to Granby
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