Stage 25 - Pueblo CO, 111mi (179km)

The forecast for today was for a maximum temperature in the mid 90’s and winds from the NNE. I left the Motel this morning at 6AM as I did not know what to expect in terms of the winds, although  they were supposed to be on my favour. I didn't have any difficulty waking up that early because my body clock was still adapted to the old time zone. The distance to Pueblo was 111mi  (179km). 

The landscape was empty. Scarcely a tree or a building or a cow could be seen. The road was not completely straight, as in Kansas, but wandered about, heading anywhere between south and west, the force of the tailwind varying accordingly. The road surface in Colorado is rougher than in the previous states, full of scars and pits and regular jolts. Traffic was almost non-existent and I tended to cycle in the lane, where the surface was better, rather than on the shoulder. In Kansas, towns were usually recognizable by their water tower at a distance of approx.. 5mi (8km), giving a target to be aimed for. Today, I saw the grain elevator at Sugar City when I was still 8mi (12km) away. Even with the pleasant tale wind pushing me it felt long. I knew the cafe was open and I was starving as I did not have much for breakfast. There I had another of those delicious breakfast: coffee, hash browns and 2 eggs over easy. After I continued my ride to Pueblo again coasting with the help of a grateful tale wind coming from E. 

Almost immediately after leaving Ordway, the hazy line of the Rocky Mountains became visible in the distance. Pueblo (pop. 106,000) is the largest city on the TransAm Trail and is its symbolic midpoint. Not only is it roughly halfway along the Trail, it is the place of transition between the plains and the mountains. I am reaching it on the 25^th day of my ride. Pueblo is at the end of my sixth map section, which I began at Alexander on the day I left Larned. All its 292mi (470km) were on Route 96. I got through it quickly as a result of cycling double stages on three days and the help of Lori and Monty yesterday. Alexander was at 2'047feet (624m) above sea level; Pueblo is at 4'698 feet (1'432m) elevation. Tomorrow,  I will begin climbing into the Rocky Mountains. When I arrived in Pueblo, I pulled up at the Great Divide bicycle shop, which is just 3 blocks from the Motel I am staying. I wanted my gears, chain and pedals having checked and reset. The guys at the bicycle shop were very flexible and helpful and within 30 minutes it was done. I feel very confident now to have my bike tuned up for the big Mountains. Here are some facts and figures of today’s ride:

Distance: 111mi (179km)

Time: 7 hours

Avg. Speed: 16mph (26km/h)

Avg. Temperature: 77F (25)C

Max Temperature: 102F (39C)

Min Temperature: 52F (11C)