Some Colorado Firsts
It seems like when I first moved out here nearly everything that happened was a first for me. First time driving in the snow, first time getting stuck behind a bunch of cows on the road, first time cycling in 20 degree weather, etc. All those things seem to be coming less and less frequently the more time I spend out here, but yesterday there were a few of them all on one ride.
To start things off it was my first time riding from my house in Bayfield into Durango. It’s a 19 mile ride on the highway, which doesn’t look fun to ride on, or a 26 mile ride using some backroads, this way has more climbing and is longer, but has better shoulders and less cars. So I took off yesterday evening headed into Durango to meet Kinsee and hitch a ride back home. As I was leaving Bayfield I saw a hand painted sign that read: “Sheep ahead. Use alt route”, I’ve heard of getting stuck behind someone moving their sheep on the road, but had yet to experience it for myself, especially on my bike, so I was pretty excited. I kept riding and riding and didn’t see them, kind of bummed I thought I might have missed it when I turned a corner and there they were, hundreds of sheep off to the side of the road. I guess I got lucky that they were taking a break because I got to see them, but also ride right past undelayed.
As if that wasn’t exciting enough, I got to the top of the climb, about 1/3 of the way to Durango when it started to sprinkle. No big deal I thought so I kept going. It started to rain harder, and harder. Then the rain turned to hail. I finally had to get off my bike and stand under a tree, for about 15 minutes. It let up a bit, so I started going again, the rain came down hard at times, but no more hail. I’d say I rode about 5 miles in the rain, it got cold for a bit, and was slow going as the water was puddling up and my glasses were fogging up. Finally the weather let up and I finished the ride into town.
It should be expected that I went straight to Carver Brewing Co. I was nearly dry but ready for beer. I tried the Power House Porter and Carvers ESB both for the first time, and they were both great. Power House Porter is a beer I hope to get to drink again before it runs out. Carvers ESB was also good. I don’t know when I started liking ESB’s so much, but I don’t think I’ve had one I didn’t like in some time.
