Day 36 Pueblo, CO to Canon City, CO

Yorktwon, VA to Canon City, CO Completed 2,253 miles

Biking Detail Pueblo, CO to Canon City, CO

Day 36 Tuesday, June 16

Left Pueblo at 7:15. Beautiful scenery as you head out of town on 96. Let the hills begin. Nice little climb to start the day just out of town at 7% or so. Wind in face so not moving that fast. Uphill too, as road rises to over 6,000 ft. Felt like I had two flat tires at times. Nice little climb about 25 miles into the ride going for about a mile at 9%-10%. Wasn't expecting that. 

Saw two Transamerica racers today. For those interested there is a race that is held every year that follows the same Transamerica trail that we are riding. However, the race starts in Astoria Oregon (June 6th this year) and ends in Yorktown, VA (going the opposite direction we are going). The two leaders passed through Pueblo yesterday and two we saw were probably the 3rd and 4th place riders. They average 200-250 miles per day, biking 18 hours or more daily and many times only at night. The record time is 18 days for the 4,462 miles. They are ultra fit and a bit crazy!

Enjoyed the total change in scenery today! Got to Wetmore and route changed to Rte 67 heading N to Florence. Wind really kicked up and in my face. After the climb it's downhill to Florence most of the way. Only going 50 miles today to Canon City so speed not a factor but it was quite a change from yesterday. Had to pedal downhill in my granny gear to keep going at times.Very tough ride into Florence. 

Was glad to take a break and have my breakfast at noon at Two Sisters Cafe. Great meal as you will see in the picture. Recommend this as a stop for good food! Wind still bad on the 9 mile trip to Canon City with the added factor of heavy traffic. Not pleasant! For a 50 mile day was in the saddle a long time! Was close to 2:00 when I got to the Parkway Motel in Canon City. Great place to stay. Outside appearance not great but rooms very nice and breakfast provided. After a long shower enjoyed some sightseeing, driving up to the Royal Gorge bridge then some wine tasting at the Abbey Winery followed by dinner at Mugs.

Hello Rockies

Getting some interesting rock formations

Stark but beautiful

Small buttes everywhere

The climb starts here

Working my way up one pedal at a time

Some snow still in the distant peaks

Many deer in this field as we passed

The hills are getting closer

Not much traffic on Hwy 96

This is a Federal Prison, it's huge

Ask Margie about this

Great breakfast at 2 Sisters in Florence

Just pretty scenery

The Royal Gorge

We didn't want to get any closer, it's pretty scary

Lots of these along the roadside

The Holy Cross Abbey Winery

Bicycle and Coffee Shop in Canon City