J'ARRIVE MA COUSINE.

Sleep sucked, I maybe managed a few hours. We woke up to a chilly Colorado morning. To reheat our bodies, we got to work on deconstructing the campsite. While Dave and Will tore down the tent, I packed up my bike. It did not take long to load everything up into the whip. After saying farewell, we hit the road. My morning started with some complicated climbing. This path was full of rough rocks, potholes, and unstable sand. It was an optimal opponent, to say the least. About halfway up the incline, I found myself immersed in a herd of free-range cows. They mooed maniacally as I maneuvered the mountain with them. I am not sure if they were cheering me on, or telling me to get lost. For a moment, I felt like a cowboy transporting his herd through the treacherous terrain. It was surely a sufficient distraction from the uphill battle. 

A few miles later, the cows and I went our separate ways, and I reached the peak. This forest was fantastic. For most of it, enormous evergreens were everywhere. Although, alternative areas, aspens were all around. My water rations were nonexistent at this point, and I pushed a little further to Last Chance Creek. I used my lifestraw to slurp from the creek. This hydration station was much needed, and I filled bottles with clear creek water. After a few short climbs and some dangerous descents, I came upon a clearing where primitive campers took root. Finally, I saw a human rummaging around in his truck alongside the path. After seriously startling this guy, he provided me with some detailed directions. I was not lost by any means, but it does not hurt to know you are heading in the right direction. He even let me refill my water bottles with purified water. I thanked him for everything and ventured onward. 

My calorie consumption was at zero for the day, so I pulled off to break fast. My meal was sliced zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and baby carrots. It was the perfect amount of energy for conquering one last climb. After leveling out, I earned that delicious decent to Eagle. As I was zooming down, thunder and lighting announced the arrival of a small storm. It sprinkled for a bit as I zipped through Sylvan State Park. This would have been a perfect place to camp if I did not have family in town. Finally, I returned to the paved road, and it was smooth sailing into civilization. 

My first stop was at a local coffee place. My order was a double shot espresso (per usual), and an avocado toast with beets. The crema on this espresso was creamy and thick, which has not been a common find. I sprinkled a little sugar, and it sat atop the crema, that is how you know it is legit. After a quick stir and a selective sip, I was somewhat satisfied. The flavor was fine, but it was a bit too acidic for my tastes. It still cracks the top five for this trip, but the search continues. After the little energy boost, I rode to my cousin Tina's house. We had not seen each other in years, and I had never fully met the family.

I encountered her husband Matthew at a Christmas long ago, but this was my first time meeting their two boys. Asher and Ainsley were some crazy cuties, and it is fascinating to see the bloodlines continue on. For dinner, I devoured some pizza, salad, and a beer. The youngins warmed up to me, and we played one of their favorite card games. It was time for them to get to bed, and I was exhausted, so I followed suit. My living quarters, for the time being, is the basement. Tina had acquired the couches from our late grandmother's house. The second I lay on that couch, it felt so oddly familiar. I had logged many hours of sleeping on this couch, and my muscle memory must have kicked in because it sent me straight to snoozeville. Regarde la route ici.