Day 6 - salida to canon city

We had a great meal last night in Laughing Ladies Cafe in downtown Salida. Mike demonstrates how crucial hydration is:

Onto Day 6. Due to the wildfires near Royal Gorge, we were forced to reroute around that area. So, instead of a 67 mile ride we had to do a 93 mile ride!!  The silver lining is that this RTR will be the longest ever in its 28 year history. 

It turned out to be one of the most scenic rides of the week.  Here we are in our pace line early in the morning heading into a really nice canyon. 

Yep. The scenery was awesome. 

My trusty steed (red Trek):

The view from our lunch spot in the shade:

After mile 57 or so, it was mostly downhill to Canon City. Some of it was winding and steep. But what fun.  

As we approached the town, I realized that I was within 7 miles of a second consecutive century ride. So since I felt fairly strong (I have no idea why!), I turned around and went about 4 miles back the other direction and then turned around again. As I rode into the hotel driveway I reached 100 miles for the second straight day. Youza!!  I may never do that again. 

Right now, I have ridden a total of 500 miles in 6 days. Needless to say I am ready for a rest. Tomorrow, a mere 47 miles into Colorado Springs to see Laurie, and maybe Chelsea and Colin. I'm so ready to be home.