Wray, CO

Today we all got off to a great start, not only did we get to sleep later than usual, but we had an excellent breakfast provided by the Fort Morgan Elks Club. I feel like since we all conquered the Rockies, the rest of our journey wouldn’t be difficult, however the last two days of cycling haven’t been that pleasant. Yesterday’s scorcher was followed by today’s blistering headwind. The smell of the passing cattle farms, cattle trucks, and grasshoppers also didn’t help the ride go by any faster. However, the games we play and the discussions we have with each other do make the ride more pleasurable. In addition, we grow closer and learn more about each other during each ride. I have always thought that I would have the closest bond with my teammates from my high school wrestling team because the training and dieting was so difficult. But after this trip is over, I feel like I’ll be as close with these guys as I am with my own family. I mean we spend all day with each other. I’m kind of surprised that we haven’t been at each other’s throats more often, but I guess fights don’t tend to occur as much when you are with a great group of guys who want to achieve the same goal. Most of us finished the ride today amid some bike problems and minor injuries and were able to enjoy the amenities of our lodging at the Wray Rehabilitation and Activities Center (WRAC) including a hot tub and a piping hot sauna. In addition, our dinner was phenomenal, one of the best we’ve had all trip. It was a potluck provided by the staff of WRAC. Usually our team is able to polish off all the food, but tonight was no easy task. The staff of WRAC made sure that we were absolutely stuffed. After dinner we performed a successful KOB puppet show for WRAC and their children.