Day 26 Kremmling to Winter Park 54.7km Uphill 2540 ft Downhill 1085 ft

Yes! During Peloton last evening Ed announced that since it was going to be short day we would start breakfast ½ an hour later, so that translates to sleeping in ½ an hour longer than usual. I loved it!

Today’s ride was very easy. We were traveling uphill, but I hardly noticed. We are cycling very slowly today, an average speed of 20.2km. We traveled 57.7km Actual time on the bike 2:51:07

It’s been an uneventful day. The ride was beautiful. It almost took my breath away when we rode thru Byer’s Canyon. Huge rock formation on either side. I was a tad worried when I read the sign, ‘Careful falling rock the next 2 miles’. A photographer from the local paper took a photo of our pace line as we rode by. He also mentioned a great coffee shop to stop in at Granby.

Walter was waiting for us at a water reservoir. He had picked a beautiful spot; washrooms, picnic tables and the view…….way to go Walter!
Next stop was Granby. We passed out some cards to the other people at this java place and even received a cash donation. From this point we had around 15km to go. I’m doing most of my climbing in my granny gear. My knees are feeling the effect of all the climbing (but I’m not complaining), instead I just took it easy today because tomorrow we have a long climb and I want to be in the best shape to handle the long climb. You know you've bike to much when you turn into this!

When we pulled into the Snow Mountain Ranch it became apparent that the area we were to camp was very rocky. No level ground. Barb and I looked at each other and quickly booked the last room in the lodge that is close to our campsite. I’ve spent some time cleaning my bike so it will be in tip top shape for the entry into Denver. As I type this up it is raining. I’m fearful of going down to the camp to eat my supper because I’m in luxury tonight and the rest of the campers will be damp and cold tonight. We’d take someone else in our room, but the rooms are not big enough to accommodate more than two. Anyways, I’d best get some food in me, I’ll need it tomorrow. So it’s time to face the music.

Suppers over, no ill vibes from anyone, could be because it’s stopped raining! I mentioned to Barb that I was thinking of skipping Peloton tonight because it will be lengthy. Around 15 cyclists are leaving in Denver and tonight they’ve asked 15 people to say a kind word about each of these cyclist and then each of the departing cyclists get to say something and then we still have communion. I just want to get into my warm bed and sleep. Barb told me that she is serving communion and if I don’t go then tomorrow justice will be served….like John could be at the top of the summit and I could be at the bottom with a flat (and I don’t know how to change one). It looks like I’m going to Peloton.

Till tomorrow, Cynthia.