Epic Bike Ride Day 4 May 22

Thoughts from Kelly: Lake Roberts was an amazing place to camp! We hated to leave but the ride must go on. Today was more mountain climbing and descending, hard work for Mark on the bicycle and me in the truck. Still thankful for the cooler weather and shade from the mountain pine trees, some of these hills were too steep and Mark had to hike his bike up some of the hills and his hands started to go numb from constant braking on the descents. We didn't get as many miles in today but when we rode into Black Canyon campground we met our first fellow Great Divide riders. Mark and Cam are college buddies enjoying their retirement and on their 2nd Great Divide Ride. Our Mark really enjoyed talking to them!

Thoughts from Mark: It was great to meet Mark and Cam! It’s nice to know we aren’t the only “crazy” people out there trying to do cool/dumb stuff. My level of respect for those who do this “self-supported” (carrying absolutely everything themselves on their bikes), is too strong for words. Let me take a minute to tell you about my wife. She is simply the best! I don’t know of many people who are happier “in the woods” than she is. Kelly is truly enjoying every second of this ride, and loves being able to cook outside, eat outside, rest outside, simply sit and look/listen/exist outside. She could not be more supportive of this ride (and to me), and I can’t imagine how much tougher this ride would be without her!

As for today’s part of the adventure, the riding was tough, the climbing was tougher, and the uphill sections never seemed to end! As Kelly said, my hands were going numb from “death gripping” the handlebars and brakes, particularly on the downhill sections. The roads are a mixture of gravel, rock, washboard with some sandy sections thrown in, and it really takes concentration to “pick your line,” as you try not to crash. This all results in more slow riding than I would prefer, but on the positive side, this means we can look around and enjoy the scenery. I had a few deer cross the road in front of me, and even a few turkeys.

Miles for the day: 32.61 Feet climbed today: 3,435

Total miles ridden: 180.14 Total feet climbed: 10,624