We got out Kremmling by 8:30 Monday morning. As usual, it was later than I wanted but we had a pretty easy day ahead of us so there was no reason to be out of shape about it. The goal was Frisco, 45 miles away. Paul Mattson, a warmshowers host, had agreed to host us for the night so we decided to stop there. Also Karolina was staying over at Paul’s for an extra night so we’d have the providence of hooking up with her yet again 🙂
Kremmling was in the heart of the valley leading up to Hoosier Pass so the ride to Frisco was technically uphill all the way and it was situated about 2500 ft below the summit of Hoosier Pass. Despite the uphill ride (we gained an accumulated 2795 ft in elevation) the ride was really pretty easy and we had some great views. Our path led us on a beautiful ride around the Green Mountain Reservoir. And from Silverthorne we were able to get on a bike path which led all the way to Frisco (and even continued on to Breckinridge).
Having recommended Karolina listen to The Secret Thoughts of an Unlikely Convert, I’d started to listen to it myself on Sunday. I made it into Chp. 2 and decided to listen to the remainder of the chapter during the first part of our ride. It’s hard to focus very deeply when trying to navigate a narrow shoulder, avoid stuff in the road, and get yourself up hills… but I managed to very much enjoy what I heard and felt prepared if Karolina and I had a chance to talk about it. I texted her that morning and asked if she’d listened to any of it and she responded with, “Yes, I am on chapter 2 and this woman is FREAKING AMAZING!!!! I have goose bumps listening to it so I have to take one chapter at a time to have the time to think about it and digest. It is a LOVELY reading!!!” By the way… I told Karolina that many of you were praying for her and she wanted me to pass on a hearty thank you.
We pulled into Frisco just before 2 PM and I called Karolina to ask for directions. She happened to be downtown at the Marina, on the bike bath, so we met her there and she lead us to Paul’s place. Paul greeted us kindly and told me when we were ready he’d show me how to use the washer so we could do our laundry. We got cleaned up, did our laundry, and decided to walk into town to look for new sunglasses. I was looking for a pair of Native Patrollers. Forrest had rode over mine in Idaho and I’d bought a cheap pair of replacements in Missoula–a pair that hurt my head after anything prolonged wearing. I’d been hoping that I could find a pair of Natives in Frisco–and I did 🙂
While walking downtown we stopped in at Abbey Coffee for a milkshake and a coffee. As we sat there enjoying our drinks a family walked in in cycling clothes and put in an order. They sat next to us and we began talking together. They were so excited to hear about our coast to coast trip! It was a pleasant conversation about family, church, etc. (She also had 7 kids, 3 of them from Ethiopia). We gave them our blog, so maybe they’ll chime in. I think they live in Kansas City. Who knows, maybe we’ll see them again someday!
We got back to Paul’s house at around 5:00. Dinner was scheduled for 6-6:30 so the boys got on their devices and I went upstairs to visit with Paul. We enjoyed some great conversation about pastoring, preaching, church, the Bible, and everything in between. When dinner was ready and we were all seated he kindly allowed me to say a blessing over the meal. Around the table were the three of us, Karolina, Paul, and his son Anders. We stuffed ourselves with yummy pot roast, potatoes, brocolli, and some of the best gravy I’ve ever had. And for dessert we had Tillamook ice cream. We laughed over stories and had a great time together. What an awesome warmshower host! I’d highly recommend Paul’s place for any cyclist passing through.
After dinner the others all left and Paul and I continued our friendly and meaningful conversation. I really enjoyed it. When I got up to go to bed he thanked me for the conversaton and gave me the hug of a friend. I was really blessed by that. Not sure how the Lord will use all the scattered topics we covered, but I pray He blesses Paul and draws him and his son to Jesus.
We left Paul’s by 7:45 heading for Hoosier Pass. I had mixed emotions. I was a little fearful of tackling the Pass because, after all, it was Hoosier Pass, the tallest Pass we’d climb on the entire trip. We’d already gained almost 2000 ft in elevation since Kremmling but we still had 2500 ft left to go. Furthermore, though the climb out of Frisco and into Breckrenridge and Blue River is pretty gradual, I’d heard the last 4 miles of the pass were steep switchbacks. So there was an element of fear in it all. But along with the fear was a strong element of excitement. This was Hoosier Pass! The last serious climb out of the Rockies; the tallest summit of them all. It sent the clear message: after this, you’re done with the tallest mountain range; after this, you’re nearly halfway home; after this, you’re as good as in the plains.
The last four miles of the climb were not easy. The air was thin, the road was steep, the shoulders were narrow. But, you know what… we did it!! We pulled out of Breckrenridge by 9:40 and were at the summit in 2 hours!! What an awesome moment. What a blessed accomplishment. We took the picture and then found a place to sit down and have lunch.
The ride down was no less than awesome. It was nearly 5 miles of sweet downhill. We hit 39.8 mph 🙂 We stopped in Fairplay for a coffee and a milkshake and rode into Hartsel by 2 PM. There’s free camping in Hartsel across the street from the Cafe and not much else beyond Hartsel until Canon City (another 55 miles). So this was really the best option as far as a place to stay. It was raining as we came into town so we quickly got the tent set up and headed to the Cafe for a bite to eat. I had planned to cook something to save money but with the rain that wasn’t happening. So we opted for the Cafe. When we were done eating I was so tired that I wanted to go to bed. We headed to the tent and got inside. I did get a little nap but the noise of the Cafe–the loud music, the knocking of billiard balls, and the conversation of the customers–all combined with the early hour, made it impossible to go to bed for the night. So the boys took a bike ride and I headed back to the Cafe for a drink and free wifi.
I was concerned about our camping situation. We’re in an open field of sorts, on gravel, next to the road, and squished up next to dilapidated cars and trucks. Nothing to complain about really… but it’s supposed to storm most of the night, which means wet bikes and a wet tent. I asked the waiter if there was any place in town where we could sleep under shelter. He said no and I gave up the idea. But then, as I was chilling in the Cafe Forrest and Rocky came back from biking and struck up a conversaton outside with one of the local ladies here, a young lady with a very kind and welcoming face named Shawn. In the midst of the conversation she offered the use of a barn across the street. Thank you Lord! I think we’ll take her up on that one. Later she came inside and walked over to meet me. She gave me a huge smile and a firm handshake and thanked me for taking my two sons on this great adventure. It was so touching–a great reminder of how blessed I am to be able to do this.
We head to Canon City tomorrow. It’s about 50 miles with a bit of climbing–the last bit on our way down to Pueblo. We’ll be meeting Chantry and the girls there at a warmshower host’s home. We’d originally planned to spend 3 nights at this home but I think we’re just going to spend one night there and the other two at the KOA in the same town. We’re so looking forward to seeing them… it’ll be our last visit until we get back home–bittersweet to be sure.
Thank you one and all for your prayers and for tagging along on this blog.
Until next time… 🙂
