TABR 2017 - DAY 13, Cough Cough

Woke up in my giant cowboy king bed in Walden at a reasonable time. You can see by the sun angle, that this morning I didn't get started before the sunrise like the previous few days. The Antler Inn is a must stop for any rider coming through these parts. Pampered my self with real breakfast this morning and finally, I was able to eat the whole thing . These mornings I would drink 3-4 cups of coffee, something that I never do.

Too bad I was going to miss the Eatmeat and Greet at the River Rock Cafe.

THE COLD HAS LANDED

Popped my four morning Advils and headed out for the days ride. Cough cough... The cold that I had been suppressing for the last two weeks has arrived. We will have to see how this cold will impact me.

Correction made after post :Martin cox took this picture

On the ride out, I think Mike B. caught a great snapshot of me from behind on the long straight road through Arapaho National Wildlife Refuge. That picture would be my favourite and symbolize the whole event to me. Thank you Mike? Or was it Aaron?

Reaching the tiny post office in Rand, I mailed my letter from Colorado to my wife. The post office was basically the town. Very friendly lady managing the office. The sun was shinning and it was a beautiful day.

At the base of Willow Creek Pass (Elev 9621'), I stoped by a stream to fill up the water bottles and got swarmed by mosquitos--They were ferocious. Had to keep a good pace uphill if not these critters would start drilling into your legs and back. Great training motivator if anybody wants to try it

LAST ONE

Found the continental divide... again. I think this would be the last one.

I felt terribly sluggish going up over the pass. I hope it's not this cold that is quickly taking over. Not sure if this good or bad, but I soon discovered why. The last few miles I had been burning through my seat post bag as it dragged over my rear tire. I burned through five layers of cloth and tarp.

Finally coming down the other side of the pass, without making a smoke trail of burnt plastic, I got to see plenty of animals. I made good time coming down into Sulphur Springs with only one wrong turn and stopped for some food at a road side burger and shake place. These two biking ladies chatted me up and mentioned that they had been talking shortly before with the Australian fella. So I wasn't far behind Mark. I had seen him only briefly at breakfast, but he prefered to take his meal on the road.

STOPPED AT KREMMLING

Soon I would be in Kremmling and then the long 1600' slog up to the resort towns Silverthorne and Frisco. But at Kremmling I would find Mark and John sitting around eating ice cream and it wasn't their first either. What's going on here. Are these guys on strike? The reason for this incredulous activity was that the road up ahead was closed by the police because of an accident. Luckily for me, soon after my arrival at the gas station, the road was reopened. On our way again we all headed up toward the resort towns. The blue river flowed close to the road and I took the opportunity to jump in for a refreshing splash. Mark rode up as we approached a large section of road construction and we got stopped by a traffic controller and he tells us that one of his colleagues was who got killed by one of the construction trucks earlier. Caramba! And now the construction site was in full operation as if nothing had happened. I was pretty impressed by that. We rode on to Silverthorne.

I was determined that tonight I was camping by the reservoir at one of the many campsite. In the town we found plenty of bike path that stretched for miles. Mark kept going to Breckenridge he would tell me. I found my campsite and set up my little bivouac. Proud of my palace, I head into town a few miles to find dinner and settled on Chinese. I ordered a big spicy soup to help with the cold and clear my head. I had been feeling pretty miserable most of the day. To the point that my wife was thinking that I might be giving up on TABR based on the somber tone of my text.

After my soup and therapeutic whiskey I picked up some provision to help cheer my mood and lit a fire. Fire always makes me happy and I had a glass of wine with a beautiful light of the end of day. Hoping for the wine to help me sleep. I did sleep for an hour or so, only to wake with a face covered in snot. My nose was completely plugged and stuff had run down the side of my face. I felt like the Alien in the movie by that name. And now it was getting really cold.

ANOTHER COLD NIGHT

The temperature was dropping fast and my bivouac was not going to cut it. So bathroom number three for me. This one wasn't heated but the cinderblock walls were warm from the daytime sun and I could lock the door. There were two bathrooms so nearby campers can use that other one. Not sure why I have to show you, but here is the third toilet that I slept in. Wouldn't it be sad if it was my last.

Only 124 miles covered today. I guess that is what happens when you start after sunrise and stop before it sets. How will this cold express itself in the coming days? Stay tuned to find out.