Up early to check the weather, cold and damp. Better than expected. Breakfast in the hotel nothing special.
Decided I’m only riding 70 today what with the new back wheel and things. The only other option is 110, that's a struggle in the cold.
Set off through the town for the first ten miles (should have moved hotel yesterday). Steady climb out looking up at the snow topped peaks. Just a flurry I say to myself. Climbs longer than I thought, pushing and pushing. Snows getting more intense. Cars are approaching me with 4 inches of snow on them. A little apprehensive to say the least. It’s a great ride, left the route 66 at the 20 mile mark and now on the “Salt Mission trail” Lovelly twisting roads up through the mountains. What with the snow I could be in the alps. Climbing is easy and generating heat. Only my feet are cold. The descents are freezing my eyes are watering, can’t see the garmin never mind the road. Dave’s glasses will have to go. Got my new “Raybans” now. After the mountains we’re on the rolling plains, still patches of snow about and the wind is cutting across my shoulder. The small section I rode into the wind it almost brough me to a stand still. Roads have been good and clear of snow all day. The Garmin says go left, I look and it’s a track. Follow the Garmin, after a couple of miles the sign reads “Dead End” I do you U-turn and retrace my route. Three dogs appear as if from no where. No worries they’re to far behind and not barking? No they’re not, level with me and looking to have a go. I’m flat out; They chased me all the way back to the junction. At least I wasn’t cold anymore, had to get off and recover for a minute or two. No worries quick look at the map and I’m 16 miles from home.
Strange 1920’s hotel. Room is freezing and dated. The heater does work, just not been on for a couple of years. Dinner in the hotel, it shuts at 6. Meat loaf, mashed potatoes and green beans. Wonderful, just what I needed.
The young receptionist says if I need anything in the night, just knock her door. Don’t think she realises how long I’ve been away for.
The bike was good today, along with the scenery.