Day 5—Hanksville—Glen Canyon NP-Blanding, UT

Thursday, September 4--An almost epic day

This was the day we were all anticipating and dreading.  Called the “Queen Stage Day” by the trip organizer, it is 125 miles and 10,000 feet of climbing from Hanksville, through the Glen Canyon NP, the Colorado River, than a long climb up to Blanding.  I was so psyched up to do the whole thing, because the most I had ever done was about 112 in 1991 on the Seattle to Portland Ride.  It could have been an epic day for me, but it didn’t turn out that way.  As my good friend Tim Nissen said on Facebook, a little humility is good now and then. Yes, Tim, you're so right!

About to descend down to the Colorado River

On the way down to the river

The first 40 miles were glorious as we descended the high plateau in darkness, then headed down to the Colorado River.  

I sacrificed a good downhill run in half for this photo!

 Then things went from euphoric to very unpleasant in a few short miles with 30 mph headwinds, 102 degree temperatures, new very black, sticky, and rough pavement, and steep hills that seemed as long as the vistas.  The worst of it all were painful calluses on both feet. Vultures circled above.

 So, at mile 64, with great regret, disappointment, but relief, I flagged the van and joined the ranks of the 10 out of 15 who  didn’t make it the whole distance.  I have nothing but admiration for the three men and two women (one of whom was 70!) who went the whole way, in the course of 13+ hours.  Dan, age 58, did it with a broken hand. 

We were all too tired to go out to eat, so we simply had pizza and beer in the motel parking lot.  My new favorite?  Bacon and cheese!