These three days saw travel between Limon CO and Bazine KS, through a High Plains landscape of endless wheat fields, sorghum, cattle feed lots and an occasional lonely cottonwood. As flat as anywhere on the planet. How flat, you ask? Well you can see the ubiquitous grain elevators about 8 miles before you get to the town, but only the highest point, and some of these elevators are 200' or more. As you get closer the full elevator reveals itself from the curvature of the earth. I swear!
It was hot, hot, hot, and reached 100 F the afternoon of a 105 mile ride into Scott City. I was able to cover this distance in this heat with the aid of an early start and a steady tailwind in the morning. By afternoon it had turned to the southern side wind which required riding at 10 degrees off vertical to keep from getting blown off the shoulder into the vehicle lane.
In Eads I met several cyclists headed west, including a French Canadian Daniel _______ who had cycled over 200,000 miles riding sometimes six months of the year over the last 20 years. His bike had 57,000 km on it but he was having major bottom bracket issues. From Eads to Scott City I passed a guy pulling an 85 lb dog in a trailer. Now that's dedication to one's canine. Passed a few other cyclists headed west, each confirming that I am the only rider headed east in these parts.
Note to riders who camp at town park in Scott City: DO NOT EAT AT LA FIESTA MEXICAN FOOD. Worst Mexican food, or any food, I have ever eaten. And the thing is, I knew better. But it sits directly across from the park, and like a siren song it beckons the famished bicyclist into its door. And you think, how bad can this be - I'm starved? You will find out how bad at 3 AM.
So today after my century+ in century heat I took it easier, getting a late start, stopping for a homemade donut, and riding at a leisurely pace with helpful winds all day. Still very hot. The land is getting richer, there is more crop land than pasture or hayfields, and I've dropped some 3,000 feet in elevation since CO. Farming seems very prosperous: everyone seems to have brand new gleaming John Deere equipment. I ended the day at the renowned Elaine's Bicycle Oasis in Bazine - a B&B started by Elaine and Dan Johnson. I enjoyed a wonderful dinner with both (including peaches with ice cream), did my laundry, and had a most enjoyable stay with these gracious and generous benefactors of the road. They've hosted over 800 cyclists in 10 years - true saints. An indoor bed came at a good time as a cold front is supposed to be bringing rain along with much desired cooler temps.
When in Colorado do as the Coloradans
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