Start time: 10:15 A.M.
Distance today: 84.6 miles
Average speed: 10.2 mph
End time: 7:03 P.M.
Top speed: 37.9 mph
Temp and weather conditions: mid-70’s with very strong winds—dust storms,
dropping to snow and freezing rain for a short time, the strong gusts again,
real strong.
Total trip distance: 823.8 Miles (since
start on April 2, 2000)
We filled our bellies at the Anasozi Restaurant in Cortez, Co., made
phone calls, and Charles prepped the bikes. Danny’s front derailer would
not allow the chain to drop to the smallest gear. It only took a ½ turn
of the screw and it was fine. Wind gusts were extreme in nature, and
dirt and small rocks were kicked up which made it difficult to see
where you were walking. The riders got in the saddle at approx. 10:15
to face
these difficult weather conditions with a smile. ( I love these guys
!!! )
We are now in Colorado for the next several days. The temp and conditions
today likely are preparing us for the Rockies. These are just a few days
ahead. I do not think there could be any worst conditions than what we
faced today.
We
got a picture of a wig wam, tee pee, today. These very tall, about 20
feet height, and at the base, about 40 feet in circumference. An entire
family of 8 can comfortably live in the one pictured.
It was a long hard trek today, due to the wind. When we were 6 miles
out of Hesperus, Co, the clouds either came down on us or we went up
with the mountain roads to them. They were full of freezing rain and
snow. It was miserable. But it only lasted 40 minutes.
We
finally got to Hesperus. The only building there are the post office
and a Sinclair quick stop. The next town, Durango was only 10 miles
away. And better, it was up a ¼ mile hill, then the rest was all
down hill. We road this next few miles in record time, due to the
downhill
speed.
We have had two great days in a row. Wednesday will be a long day
as the wind will likely still be strong, and we have lots of climbing
to do.
Thank you and good night.
