Man - This is Liv'in!

Stats Monday, August 23 – Ouray to Gunnison. Day distance 101.4; ride time 6 h 18 m (8 h 20); ave speed 16.07; total distance 1436.8

Mickey, Roger, and I all left at different times from Ouray. It was spitting rain this morning as we left. Tim drove the van into Montrose to have the brakes check. It was downhill most all the way to Montrose (35 miles). Roger stayed with the van until the brakes job was completed. Tim, Mick, and I went to a Subway for an early. A bunch of high school kids were there. Mick, having volunteered many days last school at the school which his wife, Teri, teaches smilingly told the kids to study hard. His friendly nature reached out to the group.

I have a great group of guys with me. Their personalities are all unique. Roger – a little quiet at times is reflective and thoughtful. Tim – a little unfiltered at times, keeps us laughing. Mick, Mr. Diplomat and conversationalist, keeps our spirits up when fatigue threatens. All are unselfish. All are giving. Time, resources, heart – if they have it each will help. The Rook games in the evenings are competitive. But good natured and frequently gives reason for a rematch.

Because the morning segment from Ouray to Montrose took little effort we decided to make this a bigger mileage day. We set out for Gunnison. That would give us about 100 miles.

We had a west wind out of Montrose. Two climbs awaited us. The first at 2,000’ and the second about 1,500’. (Our cycling maps give elevations. They’re great. It would be daunting to be on a 20 mile climb and not know when it ends. Hmm… maps and knowing what is coming up…I think that is a thought for a future blog.) Tim did the first climb and Roger did the second. They each had a long downhill to enjoy. Roger and Tim fly down the hills. Hitting close to 50 mph. Mick and I are a little more cautious. Plus, our bikes will not go that fast as easily. Tim, more than once today exclaimed, “Man this is liv'in!” It is fun seeing Tim and Roger eating up this ride.

Mid to late afternoon we past Blue Mesa Lake. It must have been 12 miles long. The west wind continued strong. At the end of the lake we stopped and ate sandwiches out of the van. It was Roger’s turn to drive the last 20 miles to Gunnison.

With the west wind Mick, Tim, and I “flew” (22-28 mph) the last segment. It was a blast. Later that evening, Mick commented, I’ve never finished a 100 miles ride that fast.”

Tonight we are in a very nice KOA – sleeping on grass. Man, this is liv'in!