Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Denver to Fort Morgan





Monday we had a terrible headwind. I (Mark) think it blew so hard that we can remember nothing else about that day. However, there are a few highlights. the beginning of the day started with about 18 miles on the South Platte Bike Trial in Denver. What a smooth, scenic ride. there even was a Starbuck's for my dad on the side. We weaved our way around the outskirts of downtown, viewing the Six Flags Great America and Wesco field. As we carried on into the country, the headwinds mounted up against us. We rode through barren plains dehydrated and eager to be out of the sun. Our directions were limited and we sometimes had no idea which way we were headed. So as we plodded on with no real knowledge of the road before us, a 7-11 appeared before us. There we took our daily pit stop in Fort Morgan, or what we thought was. We downed a few slushies (I bet we've tried every flavor by now) and a pop or two. This is how you hydrate. Stop and drink slushies. The ground ice does wonders for your hot, sweaty, weary body.
As we rode into camp, a storm began to brew. The clouds darkened and took on an ominous face. the wind picked up and blew in gust, throwing sand this way and that in the wind. We did make camp though before the storm and decided quite quickly not to set up our tent. So to wait out the storm, we went to find the showers and wash our laundry. The storm never did hit us, though we did get a few raindrops during supper. And so, after filling ourselves on hot dogs and watermelon, we opted to not set up camp entirely and sleep in the gym. Lights went off automatically at 10pm and came back on at 6am, ensuring us an early start for the next day (luckily we found some mats extra mats to sleep on behind the bleachers). We slept well and woke up early, actually heading out on the road at about 7:30am versus the normal 8:00am - quite an improvement I'd say. Our goal was to beat the headwind which rises at noon. And so, to hear about today's, Tuesday's, adventures you'll have to read on later when we post them(since I want to eat supper now and perhaps get seconds on cherry cobbler), .

2 comments:

Roxanne Nieboer said...

Hi Larry, Mark and Eric,
It's surely been interesting to follow you along your bike journey. You are doing a great job of writing entries for your blog. The pictures are good, too! It is really enjoyable to get such current reports on your travels and adventures. Your humor comes through daily; that's a good sign that you're having fun!
Have you met our brother-in-law, Ralph Fledderus? I guess you know everyone in the group by name by now. We hear from Larry Baker that he talked with you in Denver last weekend.
Enjoy the plains! They must be a relief after those mountains. Wish we could see you in Grand Rapids, but we'll be heading west for a family reunion at that point.
Take care --
the Nieboers
p.s. Al says the flowers at Woodbridge are doing the best ever!

Mrs. Brown said...

Thanks for keeping us informed on your daily activities. I can only imaging how awesome it has been to be a part of this trip. The sights, the people, the stories...keep writing things down so that you will never forget this amazing opportunity you have been given. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. - Mrs. Brown