Changing Gears: Rey's Ride Across America

June 25th — Cedar City, UT to Escalante, UT 122 miles — This ride was one for the books: A big climb with large mileage to get to the much-needed rest day in Escalante. Started out at 6:45 a.m. to begin the ascent of the "Cedar Breaks" summit (10,500 ft.). We started the day at 6,000 ft. The good news was I was to ascend all morning (better than in the afternoon heat). The grade started out at 4% but the higher I climbed, the steeper the road became until it reached about 7%. All in all, it took me 3 hours to scale this monster of a hill. I was curious about the altitude, and it's effect on my climbing. As I reached 9,500 ft. I could feel the difference in my breathing. I felt slightly lightheaded, but I must have adapted because it did not last too long.

At the summit the view of the red rock formations in the canyon below was breathtaking. Mostly covered with white and red limestone, we received a quick lesson from the Forest Ranger on how the canyon formed. This ride was the most spectacular in terms of views so far. Now for the fun part! The descent was very cool; it lasted for miles, and the views were amazing.

I had to ascend two more big mountains, both at about 7,500 ft. My team was telling me that the last mountain had an elevation of 7,300 ft. "No problem," I said back to them on the radio, but they were not at the top. When they reached the top before me, they quickly realized it was 7,600 ft. with an 11% grade for the last mile. They tried to warn me on the radio, but I was busy with the climb; I heard something but I did not pay much attention.

Just then I looked up, and I saw what looked to be three roads above me. But wait! It was one road with 3 switchbacks 500 ft. above. What I couldn't believe was the grade! It went straight up to the point that I questioned if I could climb it at all. This was at the end of the day, so I just kept my head down and didn't look up until it was over. When I reached the top and the support vehicle, I was totally spent with not much left to give.

The best part of the day was an 18-mile descent where I didn't have to pedal for 30 minutes. From what the team was telling me, we averaged about 35 m.p.h. the entire way to Escalante. This was by far the best payoff for the day and, man, did I need it. 10 hours on the bike today.