So, here's the update: the Rockies team is, at this moment, in Jackson, Wyoming. Unfortunately, I have gotten so caught up in riding, host interactions, eating and sleeping, in combination with a lack of phone service, that I haven't been able to post since day 10. I'm very apologetic for the lack of updates! So, here goes: one MASSIVE blog update to let you know what Rockies has been doing for the last 15 days. And then I promise to do my absolute best to keep this little blog, and all of you wonderful folks, in the loop on the happenings of this 4,500 mile journey from Texas to Alaska.
Day 11: Guymon to Clayton
Mileage: 107
Guymon to Clayton was a very LONG, BORING ride. Oklahoma is just not an incredibly beautiful place. There's just not much there...but I'm sure I've made that perfectly clear. Haha. Anyhow, this ride was our second century of the summer and it was also our first day of significant elevation gain. Whew! For a gal from sea level (Fort Bend County!) 2000 feet of elevation gain is practically high altitude. Top the slight incline off with 90 degree heat and riding 100 miles on the EXACT same road with no scenery change and you've got a passel of massively bored riders. At some point we were pulling off on the side of the road just to scream about how bored we were. After 6 hours of riding, you couldn't even tell you had moved because nothing ever changed. Ugh. On the upside, we crossed into New Mexico for the first time as the Rockies route! Hooray for trailblazing! Clayton was just lovely, although my signature sunglasses met their final fate in the back pocket of my jersey on this day. Probably the best part of Clayton was actually through no fault of its own. My favorite perk was staying in a hotel donated by an incredibly generous man named Don. He treated each rider to their very own bed and a hot meal. It was an extreme luxury and very well needed after several nights of cramped sleeping the hard floors of churches and gyms. It was the perfect ending to an incredibly challenging, both physically and emotionally, day.
Day 12: Clayton to Trinidad
Mileage: 104
Wahoo!! We woke up at 5AM for this ride. Partly because we were really excited to be well rested for a ride (thanks for the great night, Don!!) and partly because we were finally crossing into Colorado! Rumored to be one of the most beautiful states along the route, it's scenery and beer were much anticipated. And let me tell ya, it did not disappoint. Right from the first moment we rolled out of Best Western, we were bathed in New Mexico sunlight and wind as we rode the Raton Pass into Trinidad. Most drivers will probably tell you this road is pretty flat, but let me be the first to tell you the truth: it's not flat. In fact, we gained nearly 2000 feet in elevation in just this one ride. Combined with the heat and the monotony of slow riding, we were soon struggling. The first 50 miles had me questioning my cycling abilities and sent many teammates into the vans with elevation sickness and heat exhaustion. Luckily, I was able to struggle on and the last miles became much more pleasant as the scenery began to change. We had been staring at the volcano outside of Clayton for many hours and once we passed it, the difference was striking. First of all, a thunderstorm gathered almost immediately. We were suddenly riding through threatening clouds which promptly produced thunder, lightening and hail! Ice fell in golf ball sized chunks all around us as we hurried off the road. Unfortunately, our support vehicles had driven 20 miles ahead to prepare for the drive into Colorado (bikers are not allowed on this section of I25) and couldn't come back to protect us from the storm. Instead, all 24 riders on our team that day gathered in the same place on the road and formed a protective circle, both for heat and coverage from falling ice. Someone even thought of singing songs to boost team morale. It was a great feeling to see the clouds dissipate with time and be able to get back on the road to finish the ride as a massive group of cancer fighters. The drivers on that road probably thought we were annoying as all get-out, but we couldn't possibly have been bothered that day. It was too perfect.
Day 13: Rest day in Trinidad
Mileage: 0
First night cooking with the camp stove!!
Our rest day in Trinidad was definitely needed. We slept in a community center for two days so we were Undisturbed and able to just rest in quiet peace. It was nice. Lots of riders needed to visit a doctor or bike shop to get aches and pains sorted out. I went for a run and did laundry. Papa Seth cooked a spaghetti dinner for all of us and were allowed to wander the town before coming back to the center. Please note that that wrinkly apple is the only fresh fruit we've had in days. I never realized how lucky I am to be able to go to the grocery store for produce whenever I please. I watched basketball with my teammate RaRa and fell asleep early. That's what a long week of cycling will do to you. Rest days are precious treasures and Trinidad is definitely a lovely place. I would love to visit when I'm not exhausted from riding and struggling to catch my breath from the change in elevation. There was also a thunderstorm in Austin on this night and I loved imagined I was back in my apartment enjoying the lightning and thunder while curled up on my couch. I guess I miss Austin...just a little.
Day 14: Trinidad to Pueblo
Mileage: 87
I was the support vehicle driver for this ride. Lizette and I got lunch donations from several mom-and-pop restaurants in Trinidad. They were even generous enough to treat us to coffee, something which is increasingly rare on the road. It's amazing how kind folks can be.
Day 15: Pueblo to Colorado Springs
Mileage: 55
Hello elevation gain! Where's the oxygen?!
The ride to Colorado Spekngs should have been pretty uneventful, but unfortunately, it was a rough day for my little bike. I got two flat tires, my first flats ever since getting the bike in November 2013, within the span of 1 mile. Finally, I pulled over and scraped a long piece of sharp wire out of my tire. I also vowed to change my Continental tires out for Gatorskins in Boulder. Gatorskins are made of very tough, durable material that increases traction, exactly what we need for our long ride across the country. Next we stopped for a free, much anticipated lunch at Rudy's BBQ, where we were not only treated to a free meal, but also a quiet room where we all promptly passed out for about an hour before someone woke us up. Cycling is tiring, y'all. After a lunch and nap break, we rode to Garden of the Gods, which speaks for itself. It was really quite spectacular. I was breathless, and not just from the change in elevation or the steep hills!
Day 16: Colorado Springs to Denver
Mileage: 75
The ride into Denver was gorgeous! Probably the most beautiful up to this point, not to mention everyone was happy because we had a fantastic tailwind for most of the ride. Everyone was moving quick, but unfortunately, my group managed to get lost and ride ten miles out of the way, causing spirits to flag just a bit. Next up, there was a 3 mile long hill leading into Denver that created a real challenge. But no worries, that made it all the sweeter when we finally rolled into Denver. We stayed with Seth's friend and family in his hometown, where they threw us an elaborate barbecue party and declared it to be "Texas 4000 Day."
Day 17: Denver to Boulder
Mileage: 48
Riding into Boulder was so exciting! We stayed at Hannah's home with her perfect, adventurous family and enjoyed a party thrown in our honor, complete with dancing, karaoke and a keg. Friends and family toasted and talked with us and we were blessed with the opportunity to unwind and bond as a team. The mountains in Hannah's backyard served as the perfect back drop for team pictures and imagining what it would be like to live in Colorado. Too cold for me, I think, but lovely nonetheless.
Day 18: rest day in Boulder
Mileage: 0
Confession: I was excited to visit Boulder to meet Hannah's family and see the town. Sure. Absolutely. But more importantly...I was excited to run in Boulder. And I was not dissapointed. The trails were smooth, with views of the snow-capped mountains and burbling creeks that threatened to steal what little breath I had left. Every running magazine or article that ever bragged about the running scene in Boulder, CO was telling the truth. It was one of the best 7 mile running experiences of my life. So happy! After a run and an amazing breakfast made by Hannah's mom, Pauli, we drove into Boulder to explore town and check out Pearl street and Boulder running Company. I even helped my friend pick out a new pair of running shoes to celebrate her birthday and found some souvenirs for my family. Life is real good.