Grand Mesa: Day 1

This year our trip is different than usual. The original plan was for the four of us (Laura, Lin, Donna, and me) to leave Saturday, blast up the Interstate to our destination and meander home. Well, that part of the trip fell apart when Lin blew out her knee and will require a knee replacememt. She can hardly walk, let alone hold the bike up. So, this year it is just Laura, Donna, and me.

We left Fort Collins bright and early this morning. By the time Donna and I got to Laura's, had breakfast, gassed up the bikes, added air to tires as necessary, and started up the canyon, it was 9:00-ish. That's a pretty early start for us.

The day was almost perfect. Except for the wind, the weather couldn't have been better for a bike ride. Traffic was mostly light, so we didn't have to pull over too much to let some of the folks in a hurry pass us by.

Another big difference this year, is that Donna and I invested in a Bluetooth headset system. We were able to talk to each other, something we haven't been able to do before. Being able to share our observations as we rode was kind of neat. It added a bit of depth to the ride that I've not experienced before. Hand signals work to communicate the basics, but talking to each other sure reduces the chances of miscommunication. Now we just need to get the chase car (Laura) hooked into the loop. As I write this post, Donna and Laura are working on finding an app that will work. It doesn't sound like they are having much luck.

We arrived at our Kamping Kabin (yep, we're at a KOA) a little after 4, way earlier than usual. I guess it's because we didn't have to pull over as much to add or remove clothing like we ususally do. The temps must have been in the upper 70s to low 80s along our route, no complaints from me.

So, we pulled in front of the Kabin we were assigned and, lo and behold, it's one we've stayed in before -- Sundance Kid.

After we got settled in, one of the managers came by and asked if we had stayed here before, and indeed, we have. A few years ago, we stayed here -- in the same cabin even. I guess we're memorable, because he came over to say hi and welcome us back.

Tomorrow we visit Dinosaur National Monument on our way to Rangely. A short trip, but it sounds like it could be a long day. We'll see how it goes, we'll be riding close to the latest Colorado burn area. Luckily, the fire is contained and the highway is back open. Can't wait to see the sights.