Distance today = 53.11 km; Total distance = 5580.38 km; Location = Woodland Park – 38 59.251′ N, 105 02.803′ W; Start time = 0857, Finish time = 1650

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/171788867

When I crested the summit of Wilkerson Pass this morning, at 2,901 metres (9,518 feet), I thought the rest of the day would be downhill – wrong! After descending almost 500 metres in elevation, the road started up again, peaking at 2,803 metres. As I’ve mentioned before, it’s a good thing I love hills.

I was feeling very good early on, but went through a rough patch this afternoon. Perhaps it was the long uphill, perhaps it was the dodgy burrito I had for lunch?

At least the long uphill was through a nice gorge, with massive boulders sitting precariously above the roadway. However, the most stunning scenery of the day was provided by Pike’s Peak, which was on my right for much of the day. At over 14,100 feet in elevation, this is one of the most well known mountains in the US, and one of the most prominent. As my old mate, Watto from Wagga Wagga, would say, “it stands out like hog’s jowls”, or something to that effect. Did I get it right, Watto?

Well, Libby has made a nice margarita, so I’m off to enjoy it in the bath.