Biketodetroit

Today we planned only 65 miles because there is no where else to stay except Ordway, Colorado. We have been feeling so good that it was almost a rest day. We started late, rode into Pueblo, rode the bike path along the Arkansas River (much tamer here than yesterday in the canyon), went to the Union Street historic district and sat for a while with lattes, then visited the Great Divide Bike Shop, where Kyle and Karen did a great job of replacing some worn out tires and then adjusting David's and Bill's bikes. We finally set out for Ordway around 11, and found ourselves immediately on the plains. Colorado highway 96 is a pretty lonely road through flat ranch and farm country, and people have taken to the fact that cyclists use the route. Several places we stopped today had logs for cyclists to sign; we are at a small hotel which caters to cyclists, and I am typing this entry at the town library where the librarian told us "cyclists are always welcome." We signed the log, but were surprised to find only one other group since July. Everyone tells us we are late. It doesn't seem so to us, although the cold on Monarch Pass was a first warning. It was 35 degrees when we got up this morning, but warmed quickly as we rode. I have enjoyed getting away from the heat, and only hope that we avoid any serious cold.

Tomorrow to Eads, for our last night in Colorado. Again there is no where else to stop, so we will have another moderate day.