Mood:  energetic

Today, I ride to Boulder. It will be less than 40 miles and should be mostly downhill.  Unfortunately, you have to climb out of Estes Park first.  It is a 2+ mile climb, but then it is mostly descending.  My plan was to leave by 8 AM, and I hoped to be at the house of my cousin, Kristin, around noon. 

At 7:58 AM, I waved good bye to Dick, and left Estes Park.  The climb out was not unlike countless other climbs that I had made this trip, and the day's rest restored my energy.  Soon I was coasting downhill.

It is said that Boulder is the Bicycle Capital of the United States.  That may be true.  The weather sure cooperates in making it more pleasant to be out pedalling.  I saw an incredible number of bicyclers on the road, none of them touring, all of them getting their exercise in for the day. 

In Lyons, CO, the terrain started to change, but, regardless, this is still a beautiful area.  Following Kristin's directions, I arrived at her house a little after 11 AM.

One critical objective in Boulder is to get my bike checked out and serviced.  With a bike shop 5 blocks away, I rode down there.  As luck would have it, there was a momentary quiet spell, and they were ready, willing and able to check things out.  I also had them install new tires and tubes for the balance of the trip.  The bike checked out fine.  The chain was degreased and re-oiled.  I am ready for the rest of the trip.

My plan is to stay in Boulder through the Fourth of July, then leave on Saturday, July 5th, circumventing Denver to the south, and work my way over about a third of the way up the Kansas border.

My mileage is approaching 1,800  miles.  By Sunday evening, I will, mileage-wise, be halfway to Raleigh.

The body is fully rested.  I am looking forward to seeing Boulder.  On the evening of the 4th, I will be dining with two of my fraternity brothers and their wives (I think the wives are to prevent them from reverting back to their college behavior), and I am looking forward to seeing them.

Will McMahan