Fijis Across America 2010

For it is God who is at work in you to will and to act according to His good purpose. 

-Phillipians 2:13 

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http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-states/co/fort-garland/405126480020869164

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bJ01ap_Y1sY&feature=autofb

The terrain is slowly resembling Kansas, a nice precursor for the upcoming days. After  a steady climb out of Ft. Garland we slowly left the mountainous country behind and began to trudge through real FLAT country.  Today was yet again another LONG day and after finishing I would easily classify it within the top 3 hardest days thus far. It was just mentally exhausting and we were all ready for the extended rest day with Bill Hebb in Dillion, CO. Once we passed mile marker 20 for the day we gradually descended into the small inhabitants of La Veta, CO. Soon thereafter, close to the 50 mile we crossed paths into Walsenburg, CO and left the well traveled state highway 160 replacing it with highway 10.

The city landscape of Walsenburg with its many specialized stores, restaurants, and other amenities quickly faded away and transitioned into pastures after pastures. The traffic on the road decreased to one to two cars per about 30 minutes. Ahh sweet solitude at last…About an hour out or so however, I found myself along the shoulder of the road helping Chaz replace a rear flat tire. Luckily, we had the floor pump to use from the support vehicle. We made good time changing the flat, and headed out for some more mileage. Ironically enough, only what seemed about another 5 miles we came upon the rest of the group, as Wade replaced his front flat tire with a new inner tube. As we passed, they all jokingly said, “Justin, your the only one left without having a flat tire.” I pridefully gave a yell and knocked on some wood in hopes I would not have one for days to come. 

After another SAG spot, this one specifically lunch (consisted of ham and turkey sandwhiches), I took off in front of the group and speedily cranked out 40 more miles. Ominous looking cumulonimbus clouds with the typical anvil top began to form in the southwest and moved in our current directions. This brought upon some gusty head and addition cross winds that made the last 20 miles brutal. I dragged my tail for literally the last several miles along with Mitch as we switched positions in a horizontal double echelon to alleviate the course of the winds. Eventually, after what seemed like forever me and Mitch reached the support vehicle and the day was complete. We gourged ourselves at Wendy’s after ordering a list of everything and then loaded up and headed for Colorado Springs for the night. Bring on the rest days!