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I made it home safely, driving a rental car from Denver International Airport to San Jose over a two day period. It was an easy trip of 1300 miles with about 10 hours of driving each day. I paid more for gas than the rental car, and saw virtually no RV’s on highway 80.
That final bicycle riding day last Sunday was fantastic – 85 miles with nearly 7000 ft of downhill! Rick remained in Evergreen after lunch to stay with friends while I continued on to Denver. Another of Rick’s friends, Thomas – who had ridden up to meet us – showed me the way. We had a sweet 11 mile downhill on Hwy 74 to Morrison where we got on some bike trails that led to the Bear Creek Trail which we rode east until we intersected the Platte River Trail. Thomas rode home while I continued on the trail which passed by the REI store near downtown Denver. I stopped at REI to get a local bicycle map and seek advice on how to get to the airport because that was the only place where I could get a one-way rental to San Jose. Everyone said forget it, it can’t be done by bicycle (argh!). Eventually I worked out a plan to ride to Stapleton where the old airport is located. Stapleton has many Hotels/Motels which are now relatively cheap and frequent bus service to the new airport. Spent the night
Thanks Rick and Sarah for suggesting a stop in Wendover at the Utah/Nevada border. This turned out to be exactly half way home and thanks to the gambling/Casino aspect on the Nevada side of town provided cheap room and food and gas. Funny how part of the town is in Utah with a different time zone and different regulations regarding alcohol (beer) sales.
While driving through Nevada I heard a report on the radio that Mormon Crickets are getting nasty in Eureka and Austin. Estimates are that they will inhabit 12 million acres by end of summer.
Great Trip. As a bonus, I went 4 weeks eating and drinking everything in sight and still lost 8 pounds!
–jerry schonewille