Fijis Across America 2010

Earthly fears are no fears at all. Answer the big question of eternity, and the little questions of life fall into perspective.

-Max Lucado

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http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-states/co/mancos/202126323475663819

Only 88 miles until our second much needed rest day. After 8 days we are all looking for a relaxing time in Pagosa Springs, but first we must push onward from Mancos. The morning for myself on the road was quite hard as pains from my right hip caused each pedal stroke to be a bit excruciating. Adding a 6-8% climb for the first 15 miles did not alleviate anything. Making to the first SAG spot I immediately took some Vit I (what I call Ibuprofen) to reduce the inflammation. As I’ve told the guys many times before, you have to just “push” through the pain. If you quit it lasts forever. 

The pleasurable descent from Mancos Hill seemed like it lasted forever, but I’m not complaining. About halfway down the mountain some type of flying insect became trapped within the back of my jersey and the dang pest stung me. The pain lasted a few seconds but it was not going to pause my euphoric descent. Eventually, the mountain emptied into the city limits of Durango. I wish I could have stayed some more time in Durango, as there were ample things to do including mtn biking, kayaking, or backpacking. I’ll put it on my city list to come back to one of these days. 

Mile 45ish——On the outskirts of Bayfield (home of the 1996 AA Football State Champs) we stopped at a local park/visitor center to eat some tuna sandwiches for lunch. All I remember after that was lying back in Jordan’s Eno hammock and taking a nice long nap….ahhh

After 45 miles and a few decent climbs through the San Juan National Forest, I finally arrived in Pagosa Springs in front of the group.

I was thoroughly excited to have a rest day here due to the fact they actually had real mineral hot spring spas and the downtown strip was unique in that it had a theater, bookstore, and many other restaurants, as well some places to rent yaks or rafts. As I waited for the support vehicle and the other riders I walked down to the river and had the opportunity to see some kayakers trying to “surf” the rapids just below the main visitor center. At the same time I had the chance to see my first natural active geyser. It reeked a potent smell of sulfur and made me contemplate what the geysers in Yellowstone would be like.Hmmm…maybe some day I would find out. 

For the rest of the night we ate at a local burger joint named Bearcreek Grill, talked to some pilots flying private airliners (one lived in the Congo for about 18 years…really really interesting fellows…see Jordan’s blog for more details http://jordanminton.tumblr.com/), then hit the sack on a comfy bed at an Oak Ridge Hotel. Ahhh 10 hours of sleep here I come!