Enjoying Utah Beauty with the French and a Little Rain

Stats Monday, Aug 16 –Boulder to Hanksville. Day distance 83.2.8; ride time 6 h 42 m (9 h 30 m); ave speed 12.40 ; total climb (don’t know for sure – altimeter went crazy again – but it was a lot ); total distance 1005.6

We were rolling at 7:00. With a 2,600 foot climb over Boulder Mountain we wanted to get an early start. When we reached the 9600’ summit of Boulder Mountain we learned that the last five miles of our climb were at 8%.

As we observed from the day before the landscape changed rather quickly. Yesterday it was desert. Today is was a mountainous feel with pines and aspens. Many free range cattle grazed near the road. We saw two dead cows on the road killed by vehicles - fresh. We thought the first cow was a dead bear as the cow was brown in color. At the top of Boulder we enjoyed scenic overlooks reviewing where we had been the day before.

Summiting Boulder Mtn we then began our decent. At mile 21 into the day’s ride a short rain storm overtook us. It included a little hail. We didn’t expect rain in the morning. About 11:30 we rolled into Torrey, UT and a Subway. While there a French speaking Harley group arrived. Half the people we meet in the area of UT are from France. They seem to love the American southwest.

At Torrey I was able to purchase another tube. A vey important item to have on the road!!

With thunder and lightening off to the south we started the 44 mile segment to Hanksville. We were amazed at the sights in the Capital Reef National Park. Amazing rock formations!! We pedaled through a fascinating canyon containing many fruit orchards.

Ten miles from Hanks ville another thunderstorm stopped us. It passed in about 10 minutes. But this time we headed the warnings in the sky.

One mile from Hanksville I noticed that Micks panier frame had lost a screw. We stopped at a junkyard type service station that appeared to be no longer in business. The door was opened. Mick snooped around and found a bolt and nut that solved the loose frame for the panniers. I am so glad I bought a tool set that included wrenches.

We enjoyed a great supper of baked potato, salad, rolls, broccali and cheese soup and cherry pie.
We camping at an RV park out back of the restaurant. On grass. A family of four are nearby – Yep, they are from France.

Tomorrow is a big day –120 plus miles.