The crew was up, packed and ready to roll before I even poked my head out of my tent. I had no intention of making the miles they intended. I said goodbye and let them know I would be cheering from the rear.
I packed my stuff and hit the C-store. Doughnuts and soda for breakfast. The French called me out on this as they looked to be doing much the same.
I did not want to go but I did not want to stay. Lima serves as an important service town for the folks on the Continental Divide hiking trail and the GDMBR but it is not a place to linger.
The road out of town was a gravel “cow access“ road paralleling the interstate. It was rough and paid no attention to grade. It was clear today was a repositioning day. The route strings together amazing places but sometimes there is nothing you can do but ride choppy gravel next to an interstate to get to the next place.
The next place was Red Rocks Lake National Wildlife Refuge. I did not know about this place either if you are shrugging your shoulders. It is connected to Yellowstone NP and serves as a refuge and corridor for birds, moose, and other wildlife. Consisting of cattle land, lakes, ponds, and mashes it is a desolate and amazing place. The second half of the day was spent winding along the south boundary.
I won’t lie. Today hurt. The work from yesterday, the dehydration and lack of calories has taken a toll. From mile one it was a struggle. Since the beginning of this trip I have had many occasions to ask more of my body and when I have rung the bell it has responded including yesterday’s 84 miles and nearly 4000 vertical. Today was not like that. I had programmed a nice 40 mile day with very little vertical. But I rang the bell and my body just hit snooze. I could not eke out a single 5 mile split I was proud of. I was paying the price for yesterday’s glory.
The French had lingered in town and had a real breakfast maybe even lunch. They rolled by me with cheers and salutations for Alister but they could tell I was hurting. They were treating themselves to a B and B with full dinner that night. They looked giddy with anticipation as they blew by. You would think that would have sunk me but instead I was energized and pushed a reasonable pace to my campsite.
To my surprise there was an organized tour there. Adventure Cycling the group that publishes the route maps, and GPX data also runs tours. This group was doing the whole GDMBR. They have a support van that transports their camping gear and food and another van that sags the group should there be mechanical issues or someone is “having a day”. I rolled into to cheers and lots of smiles. They pointed out a good site for me and told me to come over and sit in their shade. More of my people, how great. They were so welcoming and supportive. It must have been obvious how rough a day I was having.
There was a natural spring and I began to drink and drink and drink. I think I had 6 liters that night and did not have to pee until the morning. Note to self drink more and drink often.
The group even fed me left over stew and cupcakes. I fell asleep much more content than the day started but I knew I would have to reign in my enthusiasm for miles if I was going to keep having fun.