FCBA Day 35- Kremmling to Craig

 

The day started out overcast as we climbed toward Rabbit Ears Pass. From the elevation of 6500 to around 8500 it was overcast and foggy as the clouds rolled across the hills and therefore our path. These parts of the mountain range are incredibly green from that moisture, and everyone remarked this reminded them of Ireland, whether they had been there or not.

The climb steepened after the first 25 miles and we reached the pass where it was somewhat plateaued for ten miles, and the descent began. Over seven miles we fell 2500 feet; it reminded me of skydiving for the rush, but unlike a free-fall that has the unlikely element of a sudden disaster, this downhill held a constant threat of it. My tires have over 2000 miles on them and are worse for wear- well, everything at this point is worse for wear, so add to the thrill. Kremmling to Steamboat Springs ride stats.

In Steamboat Springs we found a bicycle shop and I bought a new set of cleats for my shoes. Again, what started out as new gear has wear of what I normally experience in a year, and my cleats are at their end. I suffered a “zer0mph” crash today for their malfunction. “Zer0mph” is a word I made up for when I find myself not moving forward any longer, but I can’t get my shoes out of the pedals, so I just flop over onto the ground (a zero mile per hour crash). This is always accompanied by bruises and usually some blood and a ton of humiliation as witnesses feel the pain of it added to the pain of withholding laughter. I took it well, hitting the ground, feet still clamped to the pedals, and giving a victorious clenched fisted raised armed cheer of “Zer0mph”. Alex and Kert brushed me off, showed me where I was bleeding, and we made the last part of the climb. Anyway, the bicycle shop was generous with their discount but I still couldn’t justify the expense of new tires for I have a set of worn spares I hope will get me to the finish.

It was a long 95 mile day with all the climbing and headwind for the last 40 miles from Steamboat to Craig. We are the guests of the First Congregational United Church of Christ who provided dinner and will be taking care of us for the next couple of days. Tomorrow we “rest”, meaning church and speaking engagements for much of the day. I need to get some maintenance done on my bike; wheel truing, drive train cleaning and adjustment and overall lube and inspection. I also have a bunch of video to edit and post, and other tasks. Monday we will be working with the local Covenant Partner, taking care of numerous routine maintenance jobs for elderly folks in Craig. Nothing big, but service work isn’t for us to show off with- these things need to be done and will be greatly appreciated by those we serve. I’m exhausted for now, and though everyone else is out on the town, I’m hitting my mat on the floor. Good night and God Bless. This work and my words are meaningless without you. Ride video link