Today was a chance to explore Saratoga, Wyoming. Saratoga has been special since the Native American’s discovered the healing Hot Springs here. The city grew up around the Hot Springs and was initially named Warm Springs. During a smallpox outbreak in 1887, infected individuals went to the Hot Springs and frequently, ( at least in legend) were cured. It became famous after that and a leading citizen, Fenimore Chatterton recommended they rename the city Saratoga after Saratoga Springs in New York. Tourists have been coming here ever since. A local told me there are several High End Dude Ranches in the surrounding area and a resort across the North Platt River known as the Saratoga Hot Springs Resort. I wondered over to the free Hot Springs,( known as the Hobo Pools), and discovered there are three ... read more

After a very restless night in Hot Sulphur Springs, I got on the road early after a chocolate milk and a sweet roll. The only restaurant in town didn’t open until 8, and I didn’t want to wait that long to start my ride, (Perhaps that was a poor choice because I am really dragging!) Tha wind pattern seems to be favorable early and then strong out of the Northwest in the afternoon. Today’s ride can be divided into two parts. The first 29 miles was a gradual uphill along Colorado 125 following Willow Creek up a beautiful valley until crossing over the Continental Divide at Willow Creek Pass. 9683feet. ( I’m now back on the East side of the Divide.) It was a beautiful climb and once again I took a lot of pictures. After ... read more

Today was a great day with Steve, Greg and Taylor enjoying Breckenridge and Frisco Colorado. We had a great lunch, did some minor shopping, some window shopping and Beer tasting. It was a lazy but very enjoyable day from Start to finish. Tomorrow after breakfast with Steve, I’ll say my farewell and jump back on the bike for Sulphur Springs. ... read more

I’m sitting here in Fairplay, Colorado,which sits 9,954 feet above Sea Level. For the last few days, I have been going uphill and the elevation has really added to the difficulty. I was really dragging this morning after my excellent adventure yesterday. I don’t think the Moonshine Bill had me sample last night helped much! I rose early, but waited around until 8am to find Breakfast. I just wasn’t ready to tackle another day of climbing without food! The wait turned out to be a real serendipity, because I ate at the Rolling Thunder Cloud Cafe and had a splendid time. The owners Wayne and Geordi Walston welcomed me as if I was at their home for breakfast. The interior was furnished with not only the traditional tables but had several couches and easy chairs. I ... read more

It was hard to leave my wonderful room at the Marriott Suites this morning, but I jumped on the bike about 6:30 and headed out. Once I started pedaling, I got into the groove and had a very pleasant ride to Florence. The weather cooperated pretty well and it was a pleasant ride all the way. It was a gradual climb for the first 30 miles and then partially downhill to Florence. It was so great to see the Rockies getting closer and closer and my legs were happy to get some climbing in. It has been a few weeks since I have seen anything but flat. I passed the Florence Federal Prison on the way and found out when arriving in Florence that the economy here relies on the Federal Prison and a State Prison ... read more