Jim's Ride Across America: Day 37 Canon City, CO to Hartsel, CO

Yorktown, VA to Hartsel, CO Completed 2,309 miles

Biking Detail Canon City, CO to Hartsel, CO

Day 37 Wednesday, June 17

Left Canon City at 6:45. Although wind, about 7 MPH, was in my face it was nice to have the very wide shoulder on HWY 50. Two lanes each way gave Margie a chance to stay in slow lane and capture more photos. Glad for that because with wind and grade you are focused just on slowly pushing forward and staying on the bike!

We met up with Ed again last night who is camping at Echo Campground at the Gorge. Fun reconnecting with him. He had a total bike re-fitting in Pueblo so his ride should be better! Sorry to hear from Andreas last evening that part of his chain tensioner broke. He was in Walcott, last town in CO. Will likely have to have part shipped?? Waiting for update.

Met Ed for breakfast at the gorge after 9 mile climb. Happy to have a break after the windy climb. Ed had to contend with two storms during the night with rain and heavy wind. Glad we were at the lower elevation and in a motel! He stayed dry in the tent and it didn't blow away so other than losing some sleep all was well. Beautiful sunny, warm, clear sky morning. Breakfast outside on the patio at Crazy Eight cafe was soooo relaxing and nice to be back riding with Ed.

Connected to Rte 9 just after the gorge and direction changed to NW. Road not as nice but less traffic than 50. Lots of climbing but very scenic. Turned out to be about a 40 mile climb to 9,400 feet before heading back down a little. Had a nice 7%-9% grade for several miles as we left our breakfast spot. Other grades were 1%-6% mostly. Clear day and the Rockies were spectacular. Got to Hartsel late afternoon and called it a day. Had a great, fun meal at the saloon in Hartsel. Jamie and Teresa were so funny.

Staying at the Hartsel Springs Ranch. Awesome place. The lodge is beautiful! Stayed in Room 6....very,very nice. Well worth the price. Ed camping on the grounds and another biker, Ryan from Chicago (met at the saloon in town) is staying here as well. Ryan doing a portion of the great divide on a fat tire bike, going from Denver to Albuquerque. Looking forward to a fun, relaxing evening. Might even do a little fly fishing in the river on the property. Scott Anderson, Ranch Manager, offered his rod. What a super nice guy. They raise horses and buffalo on the ranch. Could easily do a rest day here, but feel the need to push on.