Day 2 June 13, 2001

Day 2 ! was up and running by 8am. The campsite
manager told ME it was all downhill to Deckers, CO w/ about 3 miles of steep
dirt roads. Soon ! discovered 3 miles of steep dirt roads except they were
going up. Then another 9 miles going down. Then more climbing. By 11 ! had 20
hard miles and found a nice little grill that opened in a mere 5 minutes.
Tasty burritos @ the Horse Creek Tavern. Lots of water and off as it started
to sprinkle. ! was so knackered ! had to walk quite a few of the hills. 10
mph. seemed a joy. ! figure ME and the gear weigh in about 300 pounds.
Remember that little Marco Pantani only weighs about 150 w/ his bike and he's
not out of shape like ! am. Off and on rain, mostly light and chills and
rolling hills. Those rollers are the killers. Into Woodland Park (the city
above the clouds) ! got a bit of tiny hail. Guess they're not above all the
clouds. Then downhill all the way to the Springs w/ one steep 1 mile climb
about 8 miles out. That's what the guy in the gas station said anyways. 5
miles out ! hit a fairly steep climb that lasted 3 tenths of a mile. That was
it. Down the other side the rain started really coming down. ! was planning
on getting a hotel in CO Springs but 7% twisty grades, pouring rain, 36*
temps and brake levers coming all the way back to the bars persuaded ME to
turn into Manitou Springs. This is a nice little place w/ a kitchen and a hot
tub 2 rooms down. Showered and heavily fed ! jumped in and enjoyed the turbo
jets. It looks like it may snow a bit tonight and keep raining all day so !
may be enjoying it another night. We'll See. Th@'s it for now. L8r
Doug!!