DAY 39
Walden, CO to Rawlins, WY
The good thing about being on a highway in the middle of nowhere Colorado, or Wyoming, is that the traffic is almost non-existent. The bad thing is the wear and tear these highways take from the extreme elements. Every 30 feet on queue, our tires roll into and over a small crack in the pavement. Ga-gunk, three seconds pass, Ga-gunk, three seconds pass, Ga-gunk... And over and over again. Our asses already hurt from sitting on these seats for seven hours a day. Add this repetitive ass pounding and it's enough to bring this saddle soar grown man to his knees. Either to cry or to ask forgiveness for whatever horrible thing he did to deserve this. Ga-gunk...
Walden, CO to Rawlins, WY
The good thing about being on a highway in the middle of nowhere Colorado, or Wyoming, is that the traffic is almost non-existent. The bad thing is the wear and tear these highways take from the extreme elements. Every 30 feet on queue, our tires roll into and over a small crack in the pavement. Ga-gunk, three seconds pass, Ga-gunk, three seconds pass, Ga-gunk... And over and over again. Our asses already hurt from sitting on these seats for seven hours a day. Add this repetitive ass pounding and it's enough to bring this saddle soar grown man to his knees. Either to cry or to ask forgiveness for whatever horrible thing he did to deserve this. Ga-gunk...
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Before I had ever lived in Wyoming, which I've done on four separate occasions, my opinion of the state would have been poor. "Who lives in Wyoming, and why?" Less than 500,000 people live here. I'd be willing to bet almost all half a million Wyoming residents wish most Americans remain as ignorant as I once was. It's good to be back.
WYOMING!!! :)
We had a short 22 mile ride from Walden, Colorado to the Wyoming border. Usually it takes at least an hour each morning for Becky to wake up and start moving. Today it was as if someone had lit a fire under her ass. I couldn't keep up. She was ready to be in Wyoming! We pause at the border and state welcome sign with Flats and Dirty B. Smiles were all around as a photo session ensued.
 |  Lunch at the local grocery in Riverside, pop: 58 |
Contemplating the 15 mile section we are about to do on I-80
With a 106 mile day planned into Rawlins, the celebration was short lived. Making great time we didn't want to stop to drink or eat. Being out West in the dry climate, it can be deceiving as to how much water you're body is losing. By the end of the day it was clear I had not drank enough today.
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Twenty miles before entering Rawlins, the bicycle route leads onto Interstate 80. Having endless semi trucks cruise by at 75 mph is a humbling experience. In all actuality, the shoulder was very wide and the road was in great condition. Upon entering Rawlins, all four of us seem to go brain dead. Each one hoping the others will take the lead in directing us to a resting spot for the evening. The only camping is three miles off route, hotels start at $79 a night, and the city seems very bicycle unfriendly, not allowing camping in any parks. Time to go church hunting. Having ridden 106 miles, we'd settle for the lawn of anyone who'd offer. Becky and I get in contact with the head of the Church of Christ, who gives us permission to camp in the church parking lot. The church is located in the middle of an active neighborhood. I walk over to speak with a couple folks, informing them of our situation and permission to camp. These amazing people are more than OK with us staying. They allow us to fill our water bottles and later that evening bring us over a platter of freshly caught fried Rainbow Trout and french fries. It's good to be in Wyoming... But don't tell anyone.
  Happy cyclists |  Home for the night  Fresh caught fried Rainbow Trout and french fries! |
Stats:
Miles: 111.37
Average speed: 12.8 mph
Max speed: 40.2 mph
Odometer: 2721 miles
Miles: 111.37
Average speed: 12.8 mph
Max speed: 40.2 mph
Odometer: 2721 miles
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