Tour Divide 21 – Day 12 update

Sorry that it’s been a while since I’ve updated here.  Frankly, this WordPress app is not that easy to use and requires an internet connection.

Anyway, been riding virtually solo since halfway thru day 6.  Ride with one rider for about 3 hrs leaving Pinedale on the 10th day.  Dont mind riding solo, keeps me from feeling like I have to keep up with someone else.

So far I have stayed at a hotel twice.  One of those times I “washed” my kit while I showered.  Multi tasking works best when in race mode.

I have wild camped at least three times where I was the only human for not less than 20 miles around.  The night of the 10th day it was more like 50 miles as I was in the middle of the Wyoming Great Basin.

Today is day 12 and officially passed the half way point.  I had a light day today riding only about 45 miles to Brush Mtn Lodge where I decided to take some time off for Man & Machine maintenance.  Full Mani & Peddi, a massage, even got my hair done.

Actually, ate a pizza cooked in a real wood fired pizza oven.  First pizza of the trip and so tasty after eatting so much junk food.  Did a detailed inspection of the bike.  Brakes are still good which is surprising, bringing me and my crap to a HALT after bombing down some of these mountains is no small feat.  At time I can feel the heat from the front disk brake on my shin.  Love the smell of hot brakes!!

Also took the opportunity to do all of my laundry too. I was getting pretty stinky having not washed clothing in over 1200 miles of peddling.

I have seen some amazing scenery. My favorite so far has been waking up at 2 am in the middle of the Basin and being able to see in detail the arm of the milkyway and the stars so bright. There was no other lights around nor on the horizon. Just my headlamp and the stars.

Never thought I’d say this but the worst part so far has been eating all the quick calorie junk food.

Butt is sore at times but so far, none of the legendary saddle sore/infection issues. Physically I am feeling pretty well. Have an issue developing in the right foot but that is fixable. I stand too much in the pedals on my right foot. Focusing on not repeating movements such as this and how I mount/dismount the bike has taken care of most of the aches and pains.

Taking the rest of today off and resting will be good for me and the bike desperately needed some love.

Off to Steamboat Springs in the morning 49.1 miles and 4415ft of climbing, that aught to get the legs warmed up.