July 23, 2015 – Sunny, 80 degrees
Miles Today: 44
Miles to Date: 4,405
States to Date: 18
Today was the first of four days I will spend on US 40 West heading toward Salt Lake City. Like most ‘easy’ days when I futz around and leave late, the ride proved more difficult than I expected. My route was a gentle down through the gorgeous Yampa Valley, but a North Dakota caliber headwind kept me hard at the pedals. Still, I was glad for the leisurely morning and hanging around Steamboat it more fun than being in Craig, a coal-mining town with an acrid smell that even a strong breeze can’t eliminate. I had a big breakfast before I left and a satisfying pizza around two in Haydn. Which was good since my Super 8 in Craig is on the way out of town and I had no interest in getting back on my beloved Surly to seek out dinner. I often enjoy what I call the Cliff bar duo for one meal a day (a traditional Cliff bar with a Builder’s Bar chaser), although not usually for dinner. Tonight, they made a perfect meal.
The Awkward Pose 