Trans Am, Day 63: Pueblo, CO to Cañon City, CO

I hit 3,000 miles today, and, according to my spreadsheet, I have 2,314 miles remaining. I realize now I probably won’t get back by September 1 (my original target), but I am not concerned.

Some days you get a headwind, and some days you get a tailwind. Today’s ride was marked by a consistent punishing headwind, but I have found that switching from audiobooks to music, and singing along at the top of my lungs, takes my mind off the frustration of pedaling into the wind, especially on descents!

Today’s the first day I have had dangerously close passing by cars since this journey began. And it wasn’t one or two cars — it was MANY. Colorado drivers, at least in this part of the state, appear to be unable to slow down to wait for a safe passing zone. It’s the first time I’ve yelled at anyone, and I quickly learned not to do it again, because my lips are chapped, and it hurt. It’s a good way to remind me to keep my emotions in check! 😁

There was no place to stop between Pueblo and Florence, so I stopped for a snack and to fill my water bottles in Florence. Florence is a really nice town, with a beautiful main street. Of course, my first view of Florence was the federal prison. I was a little wary of stopping to take a picture, but I did anyway.

When I was done getting breakfast and water, I met two really nice people, Tim and Chi (pronounced “shy”). We talked for about ten minutes, and I managed to insert my foot firmly in my mouth. They told me they were thinking of moving to the area, and Tim mentioned the only jobs there were at the prison. I blurted, “Who wants to work in a prison?” I noticed Chi’s expression changed, and I said, “Um, you work in a prison, don’t you?” She does. Ooops! If you are reading this, I am really sorry! There’s nothing wrong with working in a prison!

A deep gully, almost a little canyon, beside the road east of Pueblo.
A deep gully, almost a little canyon, beside the road east of Pueblo.
This photo doesn't do it justice, but this plateau was the first feature on the landscape west of Pueblo.  It's inside the Lake Pueblo State Park.
This photo doesn’t do it justice, but this plateau was the first feature on the landscape west of Pueblo. It’s inside the Lake Pueblo State Park.
It's hard to see, but the white line is painted in a depression that is prone to catching bicycle wheels.  When I first encountered this, I thought, "What fresh hell have the road engineers come up with this time?"  I suppose it is to reduce wear on the paint, but it is a pain.
It’s hard to see, but the white line is painted in a depression that is prone to catching bicycle wheels. When I first encountered this, I thought, “What fresh hell have the road engineers come up with this time?” I suppose it is to reduce wear on the paint, but it is a pain.
ADX Florence. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ADX_Florence
ADX Florence. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ADX_Florence
Tim and Chi.
Tim and Chi.
Chi and her friend.  Uncharacteristically, I forgot to ask the name of the doggie, and I didn't even pet it!  What the heck?  Unexpectedly, I think I am actually craving human interaction! 😉
Chi and her friend. Uncharacteristically, I forgot to ask the name of the doggie, and I didn’t even pet it! What the heck? Unexpectedly, I think I am actually craving human interaction! 😉
Abandoned business along the road.
Abandoned business along the road.
I have seen MANY THOUSANDS of grasshoppers, but they never sit still for a picture, but this one posed very patiently!
I have seen MANY THOUSANDS of grasshoppers, but they never sit still for a picture, but this one posed very patiently!

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