Day 40 Fruita, CO to Rangely, CO 78 miles

This was a day and a ride Jake and I will not soon forget. We began by getting up at 5:30 am, eating at 6:00 am, and being on the road at 7:15 am.

The ride consisted of five flat miles from Fruita to Loma, and then turning onto Highway 139 (the Douglas Pass Road) heading north. We first passed by alfalfa, corn and wheat fields, and then across high plains desert, before entering into beautiful canyons, where native Americans have lived for more than 4,000 years, all while climbing four times and descending afterward. However, the general trend was a gradual climbing.

Throughout the time spent on this road, there was little to no usable shoulder. After riding for 34 miles we had ascended to about 6,000 feet, and now the climb began in earnest.

I measured the climb at anywhere from 5% to 11% grade. The grade was not constant, but varied throughout.

Jake and I moved right up the climb and by a little after 12:15 pm arrived at the top, 8,200 feet and windy.

During the climb the vegetation changes from sage brush and other dry canyon growth to conifers and grass.

It was very beautiful and the pictures will show. The pass road had several switchbacks and reminded me of European alpine roads. We ate lunch at the top, then began the very steep descent, stopping several times to let the motor homes, semis, etc. pass by. There was quite of bit of traffic.

My father was and is the epitome of patience. Imagine driving behind us all day at 4 to 25 miles per hour, but usually at about 10 to 15 miles per hour, for seven hours. He provided great warning and protection.

During our descent we had a great tailwind. It began to rain briefly one time. One mile before our destination a high desert wind storm began, coming as a cross wind, which almost knocked us off our bikes. We had to stop until the strong gusts were not as frequent and then we turned onto Highway 64 and rode into Rangely against a 25 mile per hour headwind.

Today we covered 78 miles, our second longest day. We climbed almost 5,000 vertical feet, and rode the longest distance without any services available.

As usual Jake did great, again being the first one to the top of the pass.
We have now been out 40 days and covered 1,670 miles since leaving Bardstown, KY.

Tomorrow Jake’s goal to riding to Utah will be realized, because we will be crossing the state line into Utah. We should reach our final destination next week.

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