I had a great time yesterday evening talking to another cyclist at the campground who had joined the TransAmerica Trail in Kentucky after departing from his home in Asheville, North Carolina. He does not really have a set schedule and has jumped from one route to another with plans to fly back home when he eventually reaches Bozeman, Montana. He seemed really happy and grateful for all he has experienced thus far and I wished him all the best.

I had a master plan this morning that was reminiscent of last year and that was to hit the corner convenient store for a sausage, egg and cheese and a chocolate milk before hitting the road to Frisco. The plan was executed flawlessly and I was on the road before sunrise with a full stomach.

Leaving Kremmling, I found myself on a plush gravel road while making my way to Ute Pass. Enroute, I would find myself riding around Williams Fork Reservoir where I enjoyed the views thoroughly.

Soon enough the climbing started as Ute Peak loomed in the background. The pass was a gentle climb where the climbing during last three miles would be the actual price to be paid for the views up top and it was worth every penny.

After enjoying the views, I bombed down the five miles on the backside of the pass to Colorado 9, a busy highway. Luckily the shoulder was large and I was not in anyone’s way as I pedaled on to my favorite bike path, which starts in Silverthorne.

Once on the bikepath, I slowed my roll and was enjoying saying “Gooood Morning!” to the others enjoying the beautiful Saturday morning. I actually gave a moving high five to a lady on skates going the opposite direction. Then it happened.

Four young go-getters in lycra passed me on road bikes and were in a pace line. I decided to step on it and I actually caught them and yelled at them, “Come on guys, I have all this gear I am carrying, go!” I hung with the Tour de France group for a little longer than I should have and in all fairness, the only reason I was able to keep up was because of the number of others on the trail slowing them down. They got a good chuckle out of it and I had a good laugh when they pulled away.

I made it to Frisco and have already enjoyed a super delicious pizza and will finish the last two slices a little later. Now it is time to people watch a little and enjoy a beautiful Saturday afternoon.