It was great to see Portuguese Divide rider, Joao Lourenco, again. He had pitched his tent next to mine last night. Though we have different paces we do keep crossing paths. I pack lighter & travel faster but have a few more days off so it seems to even out.
It was cold last night, -5C according to Joao’ thermometer. My tent was layered in ice which mostly fell away as I got out.
Coldest night yet
Joao & I said our goodbyes once more before I headed off. A gently 13 miles flat then a 30 mile climb to the Continental Divide at Cochetopa Pass.
Ranch of the Day – captured early on
Pictures during the climb
Higher up on the climb – landscape changes dramatically.
Sign explains the road was build as an important Stage Coach route.
The route is full of canyons where the bad guys can hide out – not hard to imagine how dangerous this route was.
A brief 7 miles of metalled road & civilisation before reentering the Rio Grande wilderness – though landscape has now changed to canyons & rugged landscapes.
Light was failing as I returned to the Rio Grande NP, so pulled off the track & made camp.
The trail was all but empty today. Pulling off Highway 114, for the climb up to Cochetopa Pass, local cyclists, Peter & Laura were setting out on a ride & called me over to their van for a chat & offers of water & food. They even provided there personal contact should I get into difficulty. All very much appreciated & enjoyed the chat.
John's Epic Cycle Adventures 
I appreciate my warm bed now after reading about sleeping in those conditions !!
Sent from my iPhone
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