Radium campground to Steamboat Springs
Strava: 96.59 km, 1494m, 6:22, 330 shifts, 57.7 kph max
This was the fourth kind of hard day in a row. After breakfast the sun came out and we started climbing immediately. It was about 16 km to climb 950m so tackling it first thing in the morning was perfect. From the camp it was up up up at 10-13%. For a long time.
After the first two sections of climbing we stopped for brunch, then back at it. The last one… 17%, a new record on this trip – phew.
After that it got easier but we still had almost 80 km to go. Up and down, past a lot of ranches. As we got to a reservoir, we turned onto the first single-track of the trip. It wasn’t technical and only lasted 2.5 km, but was fun. We had a stream crossing that got our feet wet and was an opportunity for swimming, and another at the reservoir.
Then a last 30 km to town, the last bit on paved road. When we got to the bike path, five km from Steamboat Springs we needed a break. I booked us rooms while Wytze and Daniel bought a six-pack of cold hazy IPA and snacks. We sat in the shade and inhaled all that. I got to video chat with many family members having a get together in Redwood City. To be in two places at the same time …
Finally it was five km on a gorgeous bike path and we were suddenly checking in to the Nordic Lodge. We locked up our bikes outside and had heavenly showers. I had another video chat then it was dinner time. Daniel found an Indian Restaurant a block away and we ordered massively. We could almost eat everything… We planned out the route to Rawlins, WY, opting for 2.5 days for the 220 km. Then it was time for another huge sleep. That is our life.
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