The team has finally reached the mountains! While Kansas has its enchanting fields of gold, Colorado has the majestic mountains which "yearn to be danced with". Along with the mountains has come the rain which constantly hangs its cloud over Texas 4000, it seems. Very uncharacteristic for these parts of Colorado, especially in the midst of a drought which has reached 400 year levels according to this morning's newspaper here in Fort Collins--yet, we have carried it with us through Las Animas, then into Pueblo, Colorado Springs, and a slight shower in Denver, followed by a very nice shower through Estes Park today. I suppose Colorado needs the rain, but it makes riding more challenging.

On Day 18, from Pueblo to Colorado Springs, Libby Peterek and I brought up the rear of the group. As such, we have to wait for all the riders to clear the rest area before we can leave, and we have to ride with the last group of riders to make sure everyone gets where they are going. From the start, at 0830, we were soaked, and remained soaked until 2000 hours, making for a cold day. Our feet were prunes by the end of it, but this was just a gentle introduction to Colorado, as we had not hit the mountains yet. The afternoon storm brought a rapid drop in temperatures, ending our ride at about 45F.

Today's ride from Boulder into Fort Collins was frigid. We road through Estes Park, and a morning shower soaked us all through and through. Some of the team had purchased cold weather gear for the feet, but for one reason or another forgot to bring it on our climb in 45F rain to 8,000 feet. Hmmm.... So, none of the team had their rain booties on, and on the 33 mile climb to the top, none of us could feel our feet. One of the team suffered the first effects of hypothermia, too, which is frightening in how quickly it can develop. After the climb, which was chilly, we had a very breezy 30mph descent for 2 miles into Estes, and this was perfectly miserable. While the scenery was fantastic, with low hanging clouds flowing through the mountains, the descent in 39F weather made controlling the bikes with numb fingers a challenge.

We will be in the mountains for quite some time, so most of the team went to REI here in Fort Collins and invested in some cold weather and rain gear to help ease the pain in the coming weeks.

Our reception in Fort Collins was fantastic. The ubiquitous nature of cancer, and its devastating effects on everyone, creates an immediate bond with the people we meet. Tonight was no exception, where we supped with Brandon Magsamen's grandparents. She is a breast cancer survivor and they, along with a great many of their friends, were all very supportive of our ride and our cause. Tomorrow we will be helping with a telethon at Lee's Cycles here in town. The telethon was organized by a woman named Lydia, who is also a breast cancer survivor, and the proceeds benefit cancer research.

For any of the worriers out there who are concerned regarding my joints and health issues, here's the scoop. My left knee keeps getting stronger, so now I can stand up on the bike (almost sprint), and the climb today through Estes Park posed no issues. However, while my left knee was healing, I was overcompensating with my right leg, which led to some stress in my right Achille's tendon. This was further exacerbated by the team's tendency to stop every hour for 20-30 minutes, so that the body and joints fully cool down multiple times during the day. Then, right after the rest, starting back up is challenging on the older members' joints. However, thanks to some stretching recommendations from Lorig Hawkins, this has posed little problems for me and my joints seem to be doing just fine.

Thanks to all of you who have generously supported this cause and made the ride possible. We greatly appreciate your support, thoughts, and prayers.

--Andy