Cut a Hole in the Box, Put Junk in Box, Open Box

Day: 33 (Eads, CO to Pueblo, CO)

Average Speed: 17.5 MPH

Miles Cycled Today: 113

Miles Cycled Total: 2,243

Mood: Exhilarated 

Look at that mileage. Then look at that average speed. And guess what kind of day I had today. 

I know what you’re thinking… it was all downhill. But in fact, there was an increase in elevation. Granted, it was a slight increase, but still- the legs worked. There was very little coasting involved. 

So far, most of the phenomenal moments of the trip have happened off-bike- the interactions with people, a swim in a river, or the exploration of a tiny town- but today? Today was all on-bike. No characters needed. And It. Was. Fun. 

If you ever want to experience this feeling, here’s what you need to do:

Step #1: This is the hard part. Cycle for a really, really long time. Cycle through all sorts of terrain, weather, heat and humidity, road conditions, and traffic volumes. This is important so that you can appreciate the difference between a not-so-great day and a great day. I suggest doing this for 2,100 miles or so. 

Step #2: Get a good night’s sleep, and go at it freshly solo. 

Step #3: Scarf down a granola bar and an energy drink. Insert earbuds. Hope some motivating music comes through on Shuffle Mode. I started my day with this- ignore the ridiculous (hilarious) lyrics, and focus on that beat. Try pedaling slowly to that. Impossible. 

Step #4: Choose a day with perfect weather conditions. I suggest 85 degrees that is neither too humid nor too arid. Make sure you have a tailwind for the entire ride. It’s kind of like having a Little League coach who keeps slapping you on the ass, only without the awkwardness. 

Step #5: (and this will be the highlight of your day) Go through a construction zone where one lane is blocked off for two miles. Realize that you don’t want to hold up the traffic behind you, but that it is impossible for cars to pass. Don't pull over- there's no point since oncoming cars have to wait anyway- instead, try to do the speed limit. Pedal hard. Maintain 23 mph for the entire stretch. Receive nine high-fives from all nine of the construction crew members, especially appreciating the guy who stopped the steamroller to join in. When it turns back into two lanes, slow down and let the six cars that were behind you for that stretch pass. For the first time ever, appreciate the blaring of car horns and flashing headlights, as it’s clear that it’s a show of support from all, especially since they’ve all rolled their windows down and are matching the same fist pump that you’re giving them. 

Hills! Whoa!

Step #6: Take very few breaks, and don’t look at your mileage tracker. Just pedal, note the changes in the scenery, and smile. 

First Glimpse of Rockies (to the right just above tree line)

Step #7: Look up and see a mountain range that you’d never thought you would see… in my case, the Rocky Mountains. Lose your breath at the sight of them. Get off your bike and stare. Say “I’ll see you soon,” aloud (yes, that is quite dramatic and a bit silly, but no one else is around to hear you… so why not?)

From Google Images

Step #8: Arrive into a large city- a turning point in the trip. Enjoy the fresh diversity, the city nature, and a varied beer selection. 

Celebrated a Great Day Here- and Jamie's First Century of the Trip

Step #9: Be greeted with a bear hug from a traveling companion who runs into you on the street (David), and meet a friend for a beer at a local brewery (Jamie). Talk about and compare your days. 

Step #10: Write about it. 

Bye Bye Route 76. Hello Western Express.

Tomorrow, I'll be breaking off from the well-travelled Bicycle Route 76 and I'll be joining its younger, unruly cousin named "The Western Express." I'm headed into No Man's Land.

And I can't wait. 

P.S.

I Always Obey Road Signs

P.P.S.

Here's the Video from Yesterday when I Went to Find My Phone in a Storm