Cross Country Recumbent
Sunday August 17, 2003. Pueblo CO to Eads CO
Start time
|
1:25 pm
|
End time
|
8:05 pm
|
Miles
|
115.3
|
Time rolling
|
5:54
|
Average speed
|
19.6
|
| Odometer |
2173
|
Well it has been a long time since I've updated this. The break
was nice. Ross and I got some work out of the way, and then Helen
and I explored the Colorado Springs area for a few days. Just
outside of the Springs is the Garden of the Gods, a park full of unique
rock formations
We followed this up with a hike up Waldo Canyon. The next day we
took the cograil train from Manitou Springs up Pike's Peak. The
peak is over 14,000', and the train ride takes more than an hour, with
a peak climb gradient of 26%. As expected the views are
extraordinary. Perhaps the most exceptional thing was this tree,
somewhere around 11,000' up, dated over 2500 years old.
Just think: this tree is older than western civilization.
The day we went to Pikes peak there was a 13-mile foot race to the top,
nearly a 7000' gain. If you think that's tough, the next day
there was a marathon from Manitou Springs to the top and then back
again! A view from the top of Pikes Peak:
Afer the peak we went horseback riding. This is the first time
I've been riding; but it worked out well, with only mild sorness and no
real arguments with the horse (Mustang Sally) :).
The most interesting part of the day was a Morocan dinner that featured
a belly dancer. The dancer was really talented, and we had no
idea she would be here, so it was quite a treat.
Helen saw me off in Pueblo, so the day didn't start till early
afternoon. This was perhaps the very first day where there was
absolutely no climbing. Although the terrain was a little tedious
the miles fairly flew by. A light tailwind combined with the
newly tuned up bike and six days of R+R for the engine made for the
best speed I've ever sustained.
The charm of the trip has started to wear thin, and I'm more focused
now on getting to the other side, so I'm pleased that this stretch
should go fast.