Jessie's Well Blog

Day 15

Day 15
September 22, 2015

Today was scheduled to be the longest day and one of the toughest.  It did not disappoint!  I began riding before the sun was up to take advantage of the cooler temperatures and still air.  By 8:15 the wind picked up and I battled a head wind the rest of the day.  The open range of southern Wyoming is notorious for wind.  My hope was for the westerly/northwesterly winds.  Instead I “enjoyed”  easterly/southeasterly wind – go figure!  Even so, I traveled through beautiful country today.  Several times I stopped and just listened…to nothing.  It was fabulous.  I talked to a few cows and horses as I passed.  I even made a few selfie videos to keep myself occupied – keep an eye on Facebook. 

Later in the day either the road direction changed slightly or the wind subsided but I found myself enjoying less wind resistance for a short while and started making pretty good time…until the shoulder turned to rubble.  This caused me to slow down considerably so as not to damage a wheel or have a flat.  I finally made it into Rawlins about 5 pm which was pretty good time considering the conditions.  I’m kind of glad to have that section behind me. 

Tomorrow is my last big climb over Snowy Range pass.  Topping out at 10,249 feet it is the highest pass I cross on this trip.  We expect to arrive in Fort Collins Thursday afternoon.   We are really looking forward to spending a few days with Robert.