Fifty Plus (50+) - RtR Day 1

Nice day. 79+ miles from Gunnison to Hotchkiss with a mild 3500 ft of climbing. One long climb of about 7-8 miles along the rim of Black Canyon. The climbs felt steeper and hope it was due to the wind.

I was glad the reactive arthritis has not appeared plus my back is cooperating. I didn't see Buelito or Gtravitt today.

I stopped a lot more than normal to take photos.

My brother left his helmet on the bus but went to Wal Mart and got a Bell for $9 on clearance.

Tomorrow is 68 miles but the first 44 is all uphill!!

Joe,
I am really happy that you did so well and have no symptoms of the arthritis. I hope to see you tomorrow. Today was not bad. I got cold during the first 13 mi. I will wear my jacket tomorrow and full finger gloves. I don't like wearing a jacket because I think I will overheat.

Glad it is going well guys. Hope to see some pics soon!

Awesome. Keep us posted on your progress. We are cheering you on.

It's good to hear the health issues aren't rearing their ugly head. Looking forward to the pictures.

I will add my 2 cents to Joe's comments. The wind was BRUTAL, and in your face the whole way. On the last 10 miles into town, I had to pedal hard (downhill) to keep from rolling to a stop. There was a lot of climbing. One of the guys in the gym where I am sleeping commented that 1st day was 30 miles of climbing, 2nd day is 40 and the 3rd day is 50! The wind, however, was far worse than the hills.

The folder is working pretty well. I had 2 stops for mechinical issues dealing with my shifter. The 8 speed was only accepting7 gears. I had to opt between the granny and the high gear. Due to the hills and the wind, I opted for the granny. The last aid station had a mechanic who totally removed the shift cable from the bike and replaced it...it was marginally better, but I have full use of all my gears, although to shift into the highest, I have to shift down 2 gears and then push it into the highest gear--that works about 60% of the time.

train safe-