July 13, 2015 – Sunny, 90 degrees

Miles Today: 24

Miles to Date: 4,007

States to Date: 18

My father was an eccentric who chafed in a regular job, wrote a book narrated by an Alaskan Huskie, and ran for sheriff on the platform to repaint fire hydrants. His train of thought logic peaked with the third bourbon on the rocks. My mother was a tightly organized woman hyper-conscious of time, who wore binding girdles and labeled the linen closet shelves. Like so many opposites that attract, they were an irrational coupling. But their genes twist through me in satisfactory ways, for today I arrived in Denver on a quixotic journey rooted in my father’s sprit, exactly on my estimated schedule and distance. My odometer flipped over 4,000 miles as I entered Denver city limits on the day I promised my sister I would arrive. Thanks, Dad! Thanks, Mom!

There is a great bike path system that goes all the way from Arvada to Denver, but today there were construction detours and large sections of bike path closed due to the recent heavy rains. So, I got to maneuver city streets and unfamiliar neighborhoods, which were all welcome diversions. It’s impossible to get lost in a gird city on a sunny day when I have to go ten miles south and ten miles east. I jig-jagged wherever I wanted

I went immediately to Bike Source, where I had arranged to have a tune-up, new chain brake pads and wheel alignment for the Surly. Gotta keep my ride in top shape.

I will be in Denver until Friday, when I head up and into the mountains, finally penetrating the Front Range I have been keeping on my right for the past week. But stayed tuned., Although I won’t be making much distance, I have some special trip blogs planned for those of you who like your daily dose of cycle musings.