Today was a difficult day. There were not services at anytime during this day. It was hot and I ran low of water. There was also a lot of climbing to do on this day and the headwinds did not make it nice. I would say that this was the second hardest day of riding so far. The first being the day riding into West Yellowstone, MT. At one time I was going downhill on a 2 percent grade and could only get up to 9 mph whereas I should have been going in the high 20s. The winds were strong.
Today was also the day that I entered Colorado. Shortly after entering Colorado a badger crossed the road about 30 feet in front of me. He saw me. I saw him. I know they can be vicious animals and have long claws. Since I was not going very fast at this time it was not difficult to slow down and let him get off the road. As I passed the spot where he entered the grass I saw him peering up and looking at me. Hopefully I don’t encounter anymore badgers.
When I got to Cowdrey I was hoping to get water but none was available. I still had 10 more miles to Walden. Just outside of Walden there was a supermarket, a real supermarket. In the checkout line the cashier took pity on my and asked if I needed water. He, Adam, gave me two free bottles of water. Such a great act of kindness. What I did realize was that the town I was going to stop in was just over a 100 foot hill.
Tonight was camping in a city a park. Of course I sought permission from the Sheriff first and city manager before pitching my tent. Next door to the park was a community indoor pool which was great for stretching in the pool, a shower and of course getting out of the sun.
Today’s stats: total mileage 50.7 miles; average speed 9.8 mph; max speed 29.3; elevation climb 2635; elevation loss 1608 feet.