Guffey, CO to Fairplay, CO
Friendly horn taps:1
Miles: 46
Total so far: 2,781
This was taken looking northwest from Currant Creek Pass 9,404 feet. The biggies are ahead.
One more image of Guffey - this little buck was casually watching me as I brushed my teeth
This is really tragic. For the last three days or so I’ve had Bon Jovi’s, “Livin on a Prayer” lyrics running through my brain. My daughter used to describe it as, “a song stuck in your head”.
So true.
I know a lot of people are praying for me, so in a lot of ways, I guess I am living on a prayer, but this could be a record. It’s even staying around during the windy times of day when my brain turns reptilian and all I can do is grind out the miles. I’ve tried replacing it with another song, but that could be dangerous. I have to pick the right one, or I may end up on a therapy couch somewhere complaining about John Prine songs. I’ve tried poetry, but that’s not even close.
Today we finished our miles to Fairplay, Colorado in winds coming from the north-west at speeds of 35 miles an hour and gusts to 43. We were, of course, heading north-west all day, so it was a bit of a grind. We treated ourselves to a fabulous dinner at Mason’s High Country BBQ. They do fine St. Louis style ribs, complimented nicely with their German rope sausage, smoked baked beans, and stewed fresh greens. That’s good stuff.
The South Platte River near it's headwaters. Through the willows you can see the snow capped peaks ahead, but they blend well with the sky.
The north winds are bringing cold temperatures with it too. First, let me state that Fairplay is right at 10,000 feet. The snow capped biggies are right in front of us (naturally, they are to the north, from which the wind blows today). We’ll tackle them tomorrow easy enough from this altitude, but it’s forecast to be 36 degrees when we exit our tents in the morning. I won’t complain though because there is little chance of precipitation, and that’s a good thing when we crest Hoosier Pass tomorrow.
These are route markers for the Trans-Am. The #76 is from the year 1976. We've only seen two in Colorado, though we've seen several in Virginia on another ride.
There is an ongoing debate about prevailing wind direction — there are people who will steadfastly say that we are going the wrong direction, that the prevailing winds come from the west and north. Folks who live in this part of the country are particularly vocal about it. While that is true for most of the year, the prevailing winds are generally from the south during the warm summer months. I am confident they will return, but I am also confident the debate will continue.
Tatunga!
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Tomorrow’s ride is dedicated to Samuel Sandoval
Samuel Sandoval
Samuel Sandoval was from Colorado Springs. On July 31, 2004 he was on his way to Pueblo, Colorado on his motorcycle when he was stuck and killed by a hit and run drunk driver.
In Memory of Warmer Summers 
Carl – thank you so much for honoring Sam – his mother will be so thrilled with you dedication and support. I wish you and your sister a safe and wonderful journey! I am currently in Wyoming for the Children and Youth Mental Health Conference – good work is still being done. Karen Teel previously MADD Youth Programs, currently Mental Health.
Carl you rock! Hope you two have a great ride through Colorado and enjoy the sights! I live close to the Sandoval’s and I will get word to them about your ride and this dedication. I’m sure the family will be very moved!!! Take care and thank you. Pam VanOverbeke previously MADD Colorado Springs.
Carl – enjoy your trek through Park County. We’ll try to hold the wind down for you. Laura from the Como area, 24 miles NE of Fairplay.
Sam was my best friend and the last 7 years have been so empty without him. Thanks for honoring the memory of a truly remarkable man.
Hi Carl, I thank you for what you are doing. Remembering the people who were killed by a drunk driver. These people have paid the ultimate price of giving up their lives because of someones stupid decision to drink and drive. My 19 year old son Michael, was killed by a drunk driver on July 31, 1998, in front of our house. He was coming home when the drunk driver passed him as he was turning in the driveway. Michael died in my arms, the most horrific day of our lives. So I give you credit for your determination to make people aware of the consequences. Thank You
SAM IS MY BROTHER . I SO SO GLAD THAT YOU ARE RIDING IN HIS MEMORY AS WE REMEMBER HIM EVERYDAY . JULY 31ST WILL BE 7 YEARS , I CAN HONESTLY SAY NEVER HAS A DAY WENT BY WITHOUT THINKING OF HIM AND MISSING HIM AND ALL THAT HE WAS. SOME DAYS WORSE OR BETTER THAN OTHERS. BUT YOUR DEDICATING THIS RIDE THIS DAY IN HONOR OF AN HONORABLE PERSON ,BROTHER . SON ,FATHER , GRANDFATHER HE WOULD VE BEEN AND YES FRIEND AND UNCLE . SO MANY THINGS TO SO MANY OF US. LIKE THE WOUND IS STILL OPEN . BUT TIMES LIKE THIS ESPECIALLY HAVE MORE REFLECTION. CAUSE IF HE WERE HERE IM SURE HE’D BE RIDING . SO THANK YOU FROM THE SANDOVALS AND THE BOTTOM OF OUR HEARTS.
Carl and Sallie,
Continuing to pray for you both and thinking of you daily. We are all living on a prayer..from one prayer to the next. Thank you for everything.
Jessica
Thank you for dedicating this ride to Sam. It only seems like 2 years since his passing at most, and it will probably be fresh in our memories for a very long time. I pray for both of your own safety on your endeavors and for Sams’ family
Carl – Thank-You so much for dedicating this ride to Sam-Bo ! He was a genuine,kind spirited, one of a kind,remarkable person….It is greatly appreciated by MANY, that you are honoring Sam. Enjoy the beautiful ride & Thanks again………Sharon Siedler