We started the day with a slight uphill grade and, you guessed it, a headwind. I admire those of you who regularly ride in windy conditions because I found it to be very demoralizing -- you are battling against something you can't see and don't know how long it will last. I was thrilled to see the big climb of the day approaching since I knew the mountains would block the wind. The climb up McClure Pass was not long but it seemed harder than some of the previous climbs. Not sure if it was fatigue or a slightly steeper grade but my speed/cadence were just a little slower than they had been for the other climbs.

It was a gorgeous descent and slight downhill to finish the day. We rode along the Crystal River, mountains on one side of the road and the river rushing by on the other. It was so beautiful, I can't put it into words. The miles seem to pass by so quickly when you're distracted by the beauty around you.