Duchesne, Utah

We now understand why we had to do so much climbing during the latter part of Saturday: because we could not have done those climbs and the ones we had to do today. The route began with an awesome downhill glide, but you know the rule with biking: what goes down must come up. And sure enough, 8 kms in, we had our first major climb. The picture below was taken at the summit looking back at the place our camp was this past weekend.

That was followed by a meandering road along a river and lined with trees, with the occasional fly fisherman plying his craft in the river. It also featured some interesting rock formations; the one below looks like a human skull, don’t you think?

Then came the climb we did not know about, and for which we had not gotten an elevation chart. It started very slowly, and then….it was 13 kms at an 8% grade through Uinta National Forest. I had to stop at least a couple of times, but mostly to take some pictures (yeah, right!). In any case, both are looking back, one without flowers, and the other because of the flowers.


Finally, the summit was reached. Here’s proof that I made it.

The descent was awesome, over 20 kms of pure adrenaline rush. Speed had to be controlled somewhat, because of the curves, so I didn’t quite hit 70 kph. I also stopped about a third of the way down to snap a shot of these sheep.

Once we hit bottom we reached the village of Hana, where a large group of us stopped for coffee and pie (cherry, no ice cream – I’m on a diet, you know!). I also snapped a couple more pictures to give you the lay of the land, and the cute little house in the middle of nowhere in front of bright red rock was irresistible.


Up to this point, it was smooth sailing all the way, and I was destined for an early day in spite of the long distance. Then the trouble started. Going up another hill, I heard what I thought was a rifle shot – CRACK!! It was my rear tire, however, that was shot. The sidewall of the tire (a $60 tire – ouch) blew out completely and with it, of course, the inner tube. Two fellow riders – John Vandersteen and George Vanderkuur – came up with a temporary solution for the blown tire, but that solution lasted no longer than about 3 kms. which meant another blown inner tube. Finally a rider who was carrying a fold up tire came along, hurray, and when we had the tire together I pumped it up and promptly snapped the stem right off: alas, another inner tube gone. But that one was soon replaced, and I was on my way again. The whole drama, however, cost me close to an hour.

At just over 4 p.m. I finally arrived at the public park in Duchesne, and a welcome sight greeted me: Diane sitting in front of our tent already all set up, and a bottle of grapefruit juice waiting for me. I feel spoiled rotten. All in all, I also feel very good about the day. I’m getting stronger as I go along, and a day of over 145 kms doesn’t feel that long anymore. I would not go so far as to say that I love climbing long hills, however…

Today’s stats:

Distance: 146.07 kms
Average speed: 21.7
Maximum speed: 68.9
Time in saddle: 6.44.43
# of flat tires: 5