Day 42

Not sure if sleeping under the stars was a success or not ... a few mosquitoes kept me awake and any 'funny' noises had me on 'red alert'! Didn't see any stars, it remained overcast, and had a wee spot of rain ... nothing much. On the road by 07:30 and have enough rest in me to get down to Moab.


Scenery is just amazing ... every turn in the road brings up something new. Following the Colorado River.


It has been overcast for a while and cycling is very pleasant. Just remembered that this is Sunday and I may have difficulty getting onto Wifi ... I'm not getting any cell coverage out here either ... feel very isolated.


Think I'll treat myself today ... I called into a fancy winery that does 'all you can eat' brunch ... it's very pleasant and I'm now full up. Will hang around here to let things settle then be on my way.


Yep! That would be a great way to see the terrain. Richard Manley the motorcycling playwright has offered to buy me a drink if I get to Moab before midday ... think I'm gonna miss the deadline ... but I'll try and call him to say thanks. Better still ... I'll call in with him when I get to LA! The Colorado River has certainly carved it's way through this part of the World ... it made a great canyon at Glenwood and another super one at Red Rocks, coming into Moab. Can't wait to see the Grand Canyon ... but that's a few days off yet. Working on tactics at the moment ... I can carry about 8-9 litres of water and enough food for a couple of days ... but the heat means I must and do cycle slowly. I'm well ahead of my schedule so I can afford to reduce my daily mileage to ... say 50 miles per day. That lets me see things without rushing ... but for the first time I'm feeling tired and weary. Moab is a busy town and a Mecca for mountain bikers, white water rafting and all types of adventurous activities ... I'll look around for a cheap motel and if I get one ... well ... make this a partial rest day. Yep! That's what I'll do ... catch up on my sleep, attend to the bicycle, and prepare for the trials of the next few days. The downside to a cycle tour like this is that you feel obliged to keep pushing on ... and only get a fleeting glimpse of the places you pass through. Hope to get a motel for around 40 bucks?! In a touristy place like this you have to pay 60 bucks, but you get a continental breakfast and Wifi. I'll get a shower and do a mini wash ... Oh! and must try the pool too. Completed 35 miles ... that's fine.


Moab is a great fun place ... these folk are taken off road in a converted HumVee. Looks like they had a great time. Trying a proper meal ... Tuscany Pasta and a glass of milk ... service is poor though ... they've just blown their tip!