Nick & LJ on Highway 115

Pedaling West to go East

Good morning from Pueblo, Colorado.

"Our happiest moments as tourists always seem to come when we stumble upon one thing while in pursuit of something else" Lawrence Block

Yesterday was a wonderful day for bicycling. Ideal temperatures with lots of blue sky and a light morning breeze. Mike Sells did a perfect job routing me from Colorado Springs to Pueblo. He suggested CO Route 115 as being near perfect for bike touring. This road featured a smooth surface, and most importantly, nice wide shoulders with a rumble strip. (These are the bump-bumps that alert drivers they may be leaving the driving surface.)
Along the way, I encountered beautiful mountains, evergreen trees with that scent of Colorado, and very courteous drivers. I should mention that Colorado drivers are so respectful of bicyclists. They allow you plenty of room and a surprising number actually smile and wave.
Here's something that I haven't experienced before. I passed a broken down truck and said hello to the driver. About ten miles later, I passed the same truck again. Nick and LJ had the hood up and were working on the engine. We talked briefly and agreed it would be a rare occurrence for a bike to pass a truck twice on the same road. Gentlemen, good luck with your repairs.

I enjoyed a "Subway" lunch in Penrose, and then proceeded to turn east on US Route 50. It would be another thirty miles into Pueblo. In case you weren't aware, US Route 50 runs across the entire country from New York west to California. Route 50 actually passes through my home town of Cincinnati.
It's a great road for touring and I encourage all of you to give it a try sometime.

Now, for the surprise of the day. Believe me, this is something you just can't fabricate on a whim. I was pedaling along probably about ten miles west of Pueblo, and suddenly a bicycle appeared in my rear view mirror. It was obvious this bicyclist was a serious rider with lots of power and experience.
He had beautiful black Specialized Road Bike. As he passed we exchanged greetings, and then stopped at a safe place to chat. I told him about my tour and that I was heading to Pueblo for the evening. I shared my travel itinerary and he paused in disbelief when he discovered where I would be staying in Pueblo.
It's impossible to believe , but this rider was Dr. Brian Dodds, a medical partner of my Pueblo host. What are the odds that I would be bicycling along the same stretch of road, and meet someone connected to my destinations host.
We shared one of those "wow" moments and then bicycled on going different directions.
One other interesting discovery, Brian's brother is a dentist in Eden Prairie, MN. (where Cathy and I reside)
After a "riding day" of seventy-one miles, I arrived at the home of Dr. Scott and Julie Howe. Staying at their home was so wonderful. Scott and Julie are so friendly and we enjoyed wonderful conversation. They have four daughters, Sarah, Laura, Jessica, and Katie. Julie's father, Bill, also was here from Sioux Falls, SD.
Now, you might inquire, how I ended up staying with Scott and Julie?
Well, that happened because of our dear friends Mike and Melissa Foster, and specifically because Mikes mother, Cleone, happens to be Julie's aunt. What a wonderful surprise to have Cleone visiting Scott and Julie at the same time. We had a delicious dinner at Park East and enjoyed a most comfortable evening.
Julie's brother-in-law, Craig, who is in the process of relocating to Pueblo, also was a house guest.
Thanks to Scott, and Julie, (and of course, Cleone) for making my stay so enjoyable. I look forward to seeing all of you again in the future.

Today's ride is to Walsenburg. Enjoy your day everyone.