Day 6: Today started with the pitter patter of rain on the roof of my hotel. I knew it was going to be a challenging day. By leaving an hour later than usual i.e.9 am. the worst of the rain had passed and I was able to leave with only a steady drizzle. Wrapped up warm and snug against the elements I left Pagosa Springs and immediately had a stiff 3 mile climb out of town.
The problem became obvious. Despite the weather the physical effort required generated heat causing me to sweat profusely and so the problem was to have some protection from the rain and to allow the heat to escape. As one looses 25% of your body heat through your head the arrangement I made was to cover my helmet with a shower cap, from the hotel, ( I did'nt want to mess up my hair) and have nothing else on my head or neck. I also had to remove the shoe covers because they were preventing my riding shoes from engaging with my pedal clips. The person who lent me the shoe covers must remain anonymous for his personal safety! He should however be assured that I placed the shoe covers on the side of the road with a note stating clearly that NO ONE was to touch them until the rightful owner was coming to claim them.
From then on I proceeded to make progress. Even though the rain became very heavy for about an hour or two. I had my flashing light on the back of the bike on, and truck and car drivers were invariably curtious.
After about 30 miles the rain stopped and the weather was pleasant for the rest of the ride.
The first town I came to was Bayfield, 20 miles from Durango I went into the first gas station for a mug of hot chocolate and a well earned short break. On the way out I find myself in conversation with a well spoken gentleman who introduced himself as the mayor of Bayfield. I could get used to the idea of being greeted by the mayor of each town I arrive at but must accept that this is unlikely to repeat itself.
The rest of the ride to Durango was reasonable with the final few miles downhill and much enjoyed. The 60 miles took me 6 hours today, the paniers really make every hill a lot of work.
One final observation. As an admirer of Inspector Clouseau I try and let nothing escape my attention. I find it highly interesting that since leaving Denver other than my companions for the first 3 days of the ride I have not seen another cyclist on the road. This is highly suspicious. What it exactly means I am not sure, bu I know that I will figure it out!
Still unable to overcome the technical difficulties of getting the photos onto the blog but are working on it.
Tomorrow - Mesa Verde where Hazel arrives to join me for the rest of the trip. Candy who will help with the long drive to Mesa Verde will fly back to Denver the next day from Durango.