What’s Not to Like?

Powder blue skies with warm breezes…check that, powder blue skies with a cold strong wind on the nose, but we’re off on Stage 1.  Jumping to the conclusion it was 80 miles long, climbing 3700 feet, moving from Gunnison to Hotchkiss.  I don’t know how we managed to make a right-hand turn north and maintain the headwind.  The cyclist’s curse.

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I burned 4500 calories, for those of you keeping track.  As promised in the brochure for Ride the Rockies there was no shortage of attractive scenery.  The scenery was great, but what made the day special was the Colorado hospitality.  At the top of the day’s climb at mile 50 we were greeted by a park ranger handing out lip balm (SPF 15).

You just don’t see that everyday.  (She was actually from San Diego, but I give Colorado the credit.)

We continued on our way — into the headwind, but all downhill — and were busting through a little town 10 miles from the finish called Crawford. We were prepared to mash our pedals to the finish, but a woman yelled at us “There’s a free BBQ right over there!”  Say no more.

Crawford pulled out the stops for Ride the Rockies.  Crawford’s not big and they don’t have as many “stops” to pull out as some towns, but they make up for it with charm and warmth.  The local ladies served Sloppy Joe’s and potato salad and the local kids handed out ice cream bars.  You could have had pie if you wanted it.  Give me a slice of Americana any day.