#RTR2015 Day 1 Grand Junction to Grand Junction

Today's ride was though the Colorado National Monument - 47 miles and climbing nearly 3000 feet (2992).

Rolled out about 6:20.  Brad, the founder of Wish For Wheels and I were first out for the team.  A little noisy going to bed the night before.  The Mesa college marching band began practicing at 10 PM, but good sleep and easy start.

We began the climb after about 8 miles and Brad left me at that  point.  I rode the monument a couple of years ago for Tour of the Moon  and the climb was much easier this time, even though I was in better shape for Tour of the Moon.  The views are incredible and a nice starter ride for this years RTR.  Super sunny all day and rolled into Mesa college around 11 AM.

The downhill was fast and somewhat dangerous with the slow riders and some riders going dangerously fast.  Sometimes passers were in oncoming lanes or passing on the right, a recipe for disaster.

Road Conditions were fine, with some farmland rolling hills north of Fruita  You do need a light to ride through the national monument tunnels.

We had a lot free time, but most of the team had lunch together.  As we looked for a place to sit, Casey was already making friends with a woman at a table.  We all decided to crash his party and it turns out she was pretty cool, a doctor, raised in Colorado but an east coaster now.  Did the hour long massage - my shoulders will be the challenge this ride since I didn't have long training rides.

Tomorrow is a long day, Grand Mesa, and already have my massage appointment ready.

-Steve