Oct. 3 – Takin’ it easy (take 2)

That’s what I decided to do today, take it easy. My riding today would take me to the little town of Sargents about 30 miles east of Gunnison, at the base of Monarch Pass. Since I want a full day to tackle that monster I had a short day of riding today. I took the opportunity to re-pack all my gear, do tasks I had been avoiding – like answering emails, send a Fedex that I had been carrying around, send a package – you know, that kind of stuff that is easy to procrastinate on. I also bought a pair of warm gloves as the rain in Gunnison became snow at the higher elevations. Tomorrow’s climb will definitely be interesting and probably cold. My last stop at 11am as I headed out of town was at McDonald’s to fill my water bottles and get a cheeseburger for the road. My bike was a source of curiosity to the McDonald’s 11am customer base (an age group that makes me feel young!). It was noon before I could pull away from my new fan club to start riding! I had rolling hills and a nice tailwind all the way to Sargents, so I barely broke a sweat as I cruised in to the Tomichi Creek Trading Post and Campground. This place is awesome! $10.50 for a nice, grassy campsite by the creek with electricity and a picnic table + a store + a cafe and bar + really nice people! The weather was still cold and cloudy….but no one was complaining. After setting up and taking a nice hot shower I headed over to the cafe and bar where I hung out with the three other touring cyclists who were also staying here. Jacob lives in Boulders and is touring on and off road down to Santa Fe where his wife will meet him. Michael (Germany) and Cory (Chicago) are a couple who have been traveling for months across the US and will be spending the next few months in Utah, probably Arizona and then to California….after that who knows? All really nice and interesting people (of course!). All three had crossed either Monarch Pass, or the off-road version, Marshall Pass, from the western side and assured me that even an old guy like me could make it over.

We had beers and talked about our travels current and past until closing time came and they kicked us out (the late hour of 8pm!). Then it was off to our tents as the temperatures were dropping fast. It was going to be a cold night!

On a separate note, I got an email from WordPress (the site we used to create this website) with some statistics – there have been 891 visitors to the site and 7,349 views! That is amazing! I am thrilled and humbled that so many people are interested in this trip. Many of you have left comments and/or words of encouragement and I really appreciate them. If you are following me and haven’t left a note or a comment – please do. It is really nice for me to see who is checking in. Much love to all!