deCycles Mexico to Canada 2013
Journal Entry
Date: June 29
Day9: Saturday
Departure: Alamosa, CO
Arrival: Salida, CO

Distance:  81-miles.  17.9-mph average.
Climate:  Sunny, then clouds and rain on Poncho Pass.  73-degrees in Salida.
Overnight:   First Lutheran Church of Salida

Little did we know that deCycles would face a major challenge today.  The riders departed Alamosa in double file escort and traveled north through a beautiful valley between two mountain ranges.  After about 40-miles of completely flat terrain and no significant winds, we had lunch in Villa Grove.  It was hot and dry.  But that was about to change.  As we climbed up to 9000-ft on Poncho Pass, the dark clouds could be seen far away.  Finally at the top the hailstorm began.  Then rain, then winds, then the huge downpour and cold temps.  We had no jackets, no cover, no protection.  It was important to get going ASAP, the riders descended 2000-ft down to Salida.  It was freeeeezzing!  The rain felt like needles and the hail bounced off our backs and helmets.   Our shivering shaked our bikes like a Jackie Meinders speed wobble.  At the bottom we were miserable......reminding us of an even worse condition in the Sierra Mountains on deCycles 2010.    

Fortunately the church folks here offered to cover our evening meal.  That was a big boost to a cold and soaking group.  A performance by Jeff Grissom and Rob Evans lightened things up a bit, which was a sendoff of sorts to Rob who is leaving the trip to get back to work back home.  We will miss him dearly.  We are looking forward to a rest day tomorrow with a whitewater rafting trip down the Arkansas River.  Time to get wet again!!

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