I tried to stay awake but ended up checking my phone about 3am to find out I now had a niece called Matilda. Not sure I really slept again properly afterwards. 

 

Had a FaceTime with P and got to see baby Matilda. Although it feels strange not to be there, there was also a certain degree of closeness and familiarity to see and hear Phoebe and Becca. I was obviously feeling proud as I felt the need to share the news with the Hostel receptionist - not something I’d usually do. 

 

Made the most of the free coffee and excellent kitchen to make some breakfast before heading out. Continued along the same bike path I’d been on previously and met a Dutch couple doing the Trans Am. 

 

Quite a long paved section made for fast progress, despite a decent climb over Ute Pass. Once onto the dirt it was a lovely ride with changing scenery from the high mountains to the scrubby desert and rugged cliffs which bordered the Colorado River, which I would be tracking for most of the afternoon.

Met up with Zach and Kara and agreed we’d meet later for camping options as I made a slight detour to Kremmling for a cold drink. 

 

Climbed and descended alongside the river before catching up to Z&C again as we filtered some water. This was where I’d planned to camp but they said they were going to make a start of the next climb. I decided to go along with them - what’s done today isn’t done tomorrow and all that. 

The climb turned out to be pretty savage with sustained gradients over 10% combined with the late afternoon heat. Still, it felt good to get it done with making tomorrow’s ride into Steamboat a bit easier. 

Scouted out a couple of options before settling on a great spot with amazing views of the river valley below where we’d come from. 

 

We knew that Robin Gemperle, who was leading the Tour Divide at record speed was heading our way. A check of the tracker and we realised he was only a couple of miles away so we got to the roadside to watch him pass. Then sure enough he appears at the top of the rise looking extremely cool and composed and not at all like a man who has ridden over 1,500 miles in less than 6 days. Quite phenomenal. And with an understated ‘thanks for watching’ he was gone. 

 

I really enjoyed today. I was in a great mood anyway due to my new title as Uncle but the riding was varied and interesting and progress was smooth.