Denver day of rest

This will be a brief blog because, frankly, we didn't do much today. This morning we had an outdoor worship service at a local football field; it was a nice service, with communion, and very warm and humid. Lunch followed, served by the area churches, who are also serving us supper at our camp, Denver Christiah High, this evening. The kitchen crew is loving it.

This afternoon Diane and I did our laundry, which happened to be right beside a Starbucks. Not our usual place to hang out, but it was airconditioned and pleasant and we relaxed in easy chairs sipping ice coffees while machines washed and dried our clothes.

Other than that, we're just hanging out and resting after a long and tiring week. I actually have to do a bit of work tonight, as our head chaplain has asked me to lead the peloton meeting tonight in his absence - the first time anyone but him has led this meeting. Should be interesting.

A couple of sad notes. Two more riders can no longer ride. Tyler Buitenwerf was at the end of a pace line yesterday and either wasn't warned that the line was stopping or ignored the warning, I'm not sure. In any case, he hit the cyclist in front of him, fell off, and broke his collarbone in 2 places. So he's leaving for home tomorrow. Another rider, Art Smith, has ligament damage in one of his knees and has not been riding for the past week, and likely won't be for some time as it is not healing. He is staying with the tour, however, as an additional support person, which was badly needed.

I apologize for taking no pictures today. I know they liven up any blog. Beginning this evening I'll be on sweep team, which means we leave last tomorrow and have to make sure all the riders get in. That will leave time for pictures again. The good news is that we are still a mile high, and over the next number of days there will be more downhill than uphill. A welcome relief for all. Till tomorrow...