We’ve only been here a few hours, but Colorado is already my favorite state of the trip. The terrain is gorgeous and everyone is very friendly. All I can think about is hiking and exploring and climbing things with Micah, who painted his room downtown to resemble the green and white Colorado license plate. We met up with a fellow ’07 Bucknellian Emily Johnson (who we had never met before tonight) and she showed us around a few typical Durangotang (that’s what Durango’s inhabitants call themselves) hangouts. Everyone we met had a good story to tell. If anybody has any more good spots in Colorado for us to check out, please let us know. I wish we could hang out in Colorado for a few days. But we have to push on toward Atlantic City! I’m glad we have two more nights in Colorado, though we might change our opinion of the state after we tackle the Continental Divide tomorrow.
I have enjoyed every moment of our stay in the Centennial State. I had one of my favorites rides of the trip today in Colorado. I was a bit sluggish in the morning and my afternoon ride in Colorado reenergized me and changed my perspective. Energy is infectious. One person’s attitude can quickly spread to the rest of the group. I wasn’t myself this morning and I think it spread to Patty and the rest of the group. My ride gave me some time to think about all the positive things that are happening right now. Thankfully, I was back to my normal self after a little bike ride reflection. Maybe it was the mule on the side of the road that almost started to race me that jumped me back to reality. I don’t think I’ve ever been more terrified on my bike than when that mule turned and started to run with me.
As great as riding through the country and experiencing everything on your bike is, it gets boring and lonely after a while. The van is where everything happens. It’s where you really get to know the other riders. Everyone is laughing and joking and carrying on in the van. Our van has such great chemistry that even when I am feeling great on the bike, I want to get back to the van so I don’t miss any jokes or stories. I especially like the close of the day. The past two days have featured descents into our destinations. Pat, Jay and I let Walt and Frank cruise down the final stretch so we can have a “recent alumni van”. Jay plays all the music he worries might offend Walt and Frank. Everyone’s adrenaline is pumping as we are all excited to finish the day and explore our destination city.
I forgot to mention the most important news of the day yesterday. Jay is now riding! Frank had an extra pair of shoes for Jay and he is borrowing my bike (which I borrowed from Augustyn) and my helmet (which is all mine). I think Jay really needed the opportunity to ride. He had been a bit frustrated trying to obtain auto insurance and riding was an unexpected boost that made him as happy as he’s been on the trip. Hope it continues.
Our next two days are slated to be two of the toughest days of the trip. I’ll let you know how they turn out if I have enough energy left. I’m can’t wait to see more of Colorado tomorrow, though I have a feeling I’ll be back here sometime in the not-so-distant future.
I can’t help but feel a little responsible for your sluggishness in the morning – was it that Sunshine at the Ranch that did it? It was great meeting you guys – congrats on crossing the divide!
The sluggishness referred to the morning before we got to Durango. The Ranch only made us feel better, Patty has an entire theory on the conditions for our most efficient performance, ask him sometime.
Kyle,
Keep up the good work! You and your team are doing great. I am sure you are enjoying every minute of the trip. Reading your blogs brings back great memories of my trip and I am now very jealous of you. I look forward to seeing you soon.
Ride safe,
Dr. C