98.6 miles 2133 feet climbed
Reversing yesterday’s uphill ride to the hotel gave us 6 downhill miles to begin today’s longest so far ride. Except for a small stretch as we turned north near Columbus, we had to plow through crosswinds. Again.
Climbs were so gradual that bike computer often shouted a 0% grade. This highway appears to be a major route for wide loads, an alternative to the Interstate, I suppose. Today it was wind turbine blades and some prefabed structures that extended several feet beyond both sides of a standard flatbed trailer.
We also crossed the Continental Divide, here not as high as in Wyoming on the northern route (10,000+ feet).
The originally cue sheet indicated 25 miles to the next water stop after lunch. Dennis wisely added one in-between, appreciated by all in this heat.
Dinner was burgers catered by the hotel owner, also the Mayor, from a caterer from Mexico. Ironic?
The hotel had two very well-behaved canine friends.
