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Today, I rode a unicycle. It was hard. There were lots of Aspens. At some point, I crossed into Colorado.

I struggled to stay upright as the day wore on me. My jellified legs were cramping, and could barely support me even to walk. With about 10 miles left to reach my desired destination, I passed by the Brush Mountain Ranch. A woman called out, so I stopped to chat. I had completely forgotten that I’d be passing a place offering lodging at some point today. I had never looked into it and didn’t know anything about it (though I now realize this is a place I’ve heard cyclists speak of). Kirsten navigated my delirious self to some shade and a chair, then fetched me a cold Coke and a pitcher of water. She said a cabin room was available, and she’d be making dinner later. I’d wanted to get those next ten miles in to be a little closer to town tomorrow, but I wasn’t sure I could make it, and real food was irresistible. I’m tenting outside rather than staying in the cabin to make sure I get going at a decent time. I thoroughly enjoyed a bowl of cherries and some coffee (apparently, Melanie had told Kirsten that she should offer me coffee) before sitting down to dinner with Kirsten, her dad, and her friend John. John lives in Steamboat and has offered me a place to crash tomorrow night, which is awesome.

Kirsten has the coffee machine ready to go for me in the morning. I’m looking forward to some good brew when I wake up!