July 9, 2018
Riverside – Hot Sulphur Springs
180 km (112 miles)
1641 m (5382 feet) elevation
8:24 moving time
3031 km (1884 miles)

Had a super early start, waking up at 5 AM to beat the heat. Day started out on a wrong foot as Saemi’s rear tire was flat and we had to replace an inner tube. Down to only the punctured ones so if we have another flat we have to patch an old one.

Saemi was feeling much better physically but had a hard time getting into the groove. Most likely due to a fairly simple breakfast so after we got some real food things were looking up.

We said goodbye to Wyoming (Byeoming) and said hi to colorful Colorado. The shoulders of Wyoming were wide but as soon as we were into Colorado the shoulder all but disappeared. We’ll miss the shoulders but not the landscape and massive distances between services.

Met a group of supported ACA TransAm riders and a guy who was just coming from the desert. Said he had maybe suffered a heat stroke and based on his demeanor he was right to take the day off to rest.

We have now ridden over 3000 km and had our second most elevation gain day of our tour. We are now really close to the highest point of the route.

Towards the end of the day Monika’s energy level dropped hit after some shade and water we were able to finish our day.