Today’s much anticipated ride from Kayenta Az started off a little rough to say the least. As I departed into a cold rain that soon turned into a sleet storm. My bike comp now showed 37 degrees. I was wearing every piece of cloths I had with shopping bags wraped around my gloved hands & duct tape wraped shoes. But within 3 miles my feet were soaked & the large sleet rattled off my helmet. I considered turning back as there is NO shelter to be found anywhere. I pressed on and about 8 miles down the road the rain / sleet let up. I road 45 miles without stopping for fear the rain would catch back up with me. Stopping @ a small diner I went in & removed my soaked shoes & stuffed them with newspaper in & effort to dry them out. My feet were frozen & I spent an hour trying to warm them up. I left and made it to Teec Ne Poss trDing post @ 75 mile mark & took a snack break. From there I made it through the 4 corners and into Colorado @ 1:30 pm! This was huge as I was now out of the state of AZ that had been a real tough customer. The temp swung from 45 to 80 degrees in minutes causing frequent stops to either put jackets on or take them off.
I took a break @ the Tomac truck stop / casino & then made the final climb into Cortez.
The difference between Az & Co happens very quickly as in a matter of a few miles you crest a hill & go from a landscape that was probably used for the shooting of “Mad Max ” movies & the home of cousin Eddy in the “Family Vacation”( both favorites of mine) to green grass trees & the sound lawnmowers. With snow capped peaks in the distance this is a whole new world!
Colorado will no doubt be tough but I welcome it. I ended up with 121 miles today & feel great. I think that I am officially in “biking shape”. For the first time I am heading east & I actually welcome the Rockies. I don’t know what kind of mileage I will make in the next few days but will just take what the days give me.
Remember to say your prayers for Justin & I will keep heading east!
Frank's Coast to Coast Ride for Justin 