There was a big climb out from Radium Springs along the Colorado River towards Kremmling, and I wanted an early start. Jaime peeked out of his tent, but didn’t seem interested to pack up yet. Many had mentioned that the climb out of Radium could be hot, but I assume those folks did it in the afternoon. I still had a couple layers on including my puffy.
The road surface was pretty good but still basically dirt with some chemicals to prevent dust. The trucks and cars were driving pretty fast on this road, but gave me plenty of space. After a few miles a driver in a jeep coming the other way slowed down and told me there was a herd of big horn sheep around the corner. Sure enough they were on the roadway grazing along the side. When they saw me they all jumped over the railing on the other side of the road. Surprising how most animals I meet seem a bit spooked by a cyclist. Many cars had passed them earlier and that didn’t seem to bother them. Strange.. 🧐 I did get one pic of the larger male.
I wanted to get to the town of Kremmling to get a proper breakfast and do some resupplies of food until I got to Breckenridge. It wasn’t on the official route, but only a 5 mile detour. I stopped there on my TransAm ride as well.
The rest of the ride was through some scenic countryside, and fairly flat as well. There was Ute pass ahead, and I was not sure about doing it today or tomorrow. Just then I got a text from Jaime saying he was planning to camp at Horseshoe campground, which is right before Ute pass. He had gotten that recommendation from his racer friend Matt. Sounds like a good plan!
I rode on and happened to come across my first “Trail Angel” setup by the side of the road. I had heard about these, but hadn’t seen one yet, or maybe I wasn’t looking in the right places. Anyway, they had cold water and some snacks in the cooler. Great! It helps you both physically and mentally knowing there are folks out there recognizing what we are doing and helping. For the most part I have felt that most are ambivalent about it. Not that I, or others doing this want any attention, but it is a bit curious how many live in their own “bubble” with the AC on. It had been different on the TransAm ride 12 years ago.
Trail Angel
Before I got to Horseshoe CG, I ran into another bike tourer going the other way. He slowed down, which was an indication that he wanted to talk. I pulled over to the other side of the road to meet him. His name was Rob, and he was a just graduated student from the University of Leuven in Belgium. We are very familiar with Leuven since we lived close by when we there in the town of Overijse. A great town to visit! I switched over to speaking Dutch to him, which is very close to Flemish, one of the three official languages of Belgium. Rob was riding a fairly loaded bike and was doing the TransAm route. Someone in Silverthorne had recommended the dirt road to Kremmling instead of the official road route, because of traffic. That to me was good advice. He was then planning to do some bicycle touring in Asia and Australia. I like young folks who take advantage of doing travel adventures when they can. We were both very pleased to meet each other and I wished him safe travels.
Bad selfie of me and Rob
The road started to climb a bit in anticipation of Ute pass, and I saw the turn sign for Horseshoe campground. I was apparently the first one there and picked a lovely spot in the shade. I took my chocolate milk and coke (later for dinner), and tied them to a line and had them cooldown in the fast flowing Blue River.
Jaime showed up about an hour later and asked if I had met Rob as well. He had given Rob his bear spray, since he might need it more going further north. That would save him some money too instead of buying it new. Very nice of Jaime.
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