All of the tension has been pedaled out of my body. I’m so relaxed that I could ride more miles or just as easily take a nap. Right now I have my feet up and wonder if we can buy a recumbent tandem before tomorrow, it feels so good.

Today’s ride from Kremmling to Winter Park was a short 46-mile jaunt on tired legs. A little sun joined us in the morning, but overall we rode under the clouds and entered Fraser and Winter Park in light rain.

After days of blazing sun and warmth I was cool. I think it was low 60s all day. Perfect riding weather, really, if not overly summery.

Our route along the wide shoulder of US 40 trended consistently up, with quite a few rollers along the way. 

The crosswinds and traffic made the day noisy at times, but it was a mostly unremarkable day on the bike, with the exception of a morning meander through Byers Canyon. Blue sky and sun were still hanging out with us on the section, adding to the canyon’ s rocky beauty.

It’s funny to reach to point of a ride where fatigue has taken hold, and little aches manifest here and there, but none of it seems like a big deal. 

Rain starts falling and we sigh and shrug on jackets. No big deal. It’s not idyllic, but we brought the gear for the elements. We put it to use and keep pedaling.

Our bodies have proven their durability yet again. Good job, bodies! You can rest up next week!

Today as we rode, I thought about all of you who have followed us on our bike tour via Instagram and/or the blog. It’s been heartening, knowing that you are checking in on our tandem team and cheering us along. 

Thank you for reading and being part of our meander in and around the mountains of New Mexico and Colorado. 

One day left.