Today is a rest day..no riding..well at least no loaded riding. Fairplay isn't the best town in Colorado I am sure but it has a campsite, clean showers, hot tub and WiFi ..what more does a knackered touring cyclist want?...

It will also give my sunburnt lip time out.

This site costs $12 a night which is double the cost of sites further west. But its located right after or before the pass drowning which way you ride.

I'm pretty close to Denver and Colorado springs right now...my route takes me along highway
9 in the direction of pueblo.

The ski shop here had sleep mats but they were way to big and heavy for a bicycle. Maybe there is a proper camp shop in pueblo.

I dumped the new camelback. It was uncomfy and leaked. I got a fifth water bottle to carry in the panniers. That way the bike takes the load not me.

I think the section I rode yesterday was tough not for the climb but because there is nowhere cheap to stay/camp in Breckenridge. That meant a long haul ride before even taking the pass. So for those of you thinking of doing this route be aware that sometimes you will need to be able to ride iro 80+miles in one day sometimes..but mostly its less.
My little tent from decathlon is the envy of other routers here..mostly their tents are not as good and mote expensive and often heavier. Also my bike is seen as pretty cool to...which if course Shinto is.
I am tali.g multi vitamens because its tough gdtting fresh food on the road. Subway has been the best place to get fresh food relatively cheap..but they are only in the bigger towns.
Generally the traffic has been light and considerate. BUT as with anywhere there are idiots out there who believe all cyclists should die. Over here the shoulder is for cycling..cross the white line and you are in trouble as the trucks do not pass wide..enough. I prefer the way we ride in the UK with no shoulders and cyclists having equal rights as drivers on the roads.
The American people are amoungst the friendliest in the world I guess. They will always say hi and most are very amazed at my trip. Like anywhere though..the holy $ rules so carry cash if you ride this tour. Atm machines are easy to use if you can find one ans then oftentimes that are broken. Bike shops are a joke for the most part and very far apart. The exception being Breckenridge yesterday. So if you tour here carry all you need to fix stuff. I amfinding that the single most important thing is mental attitude not fitness. Fitness is key but I am building it on the tour. My mindset is simple...there is no option but to succeed..no way back...no matter how hard the headwind or high the climb I will succeed. That total belief in what I am doing keeps me on track and has got me through some very tough riding. If you pack just one thing for this ride pack a p m a.

There is always something to do or see..never a single dead moment..even on rest days I am busy blogging, washing clothes, shopping, etc.

Bug and mosi repellants are must haves here...you will be eaten alive in places without it. Also sunscreen. I have a combined spray which I wouldn't ride without.

The trsnsam is not a lonely ride. In fact riding alone self supported for me is better than with a ride partner or group. I'm free to do what I like without having to consider others. Important on a ride like this I think.

Although I have a pair of jeans with me I am in danger of being the first man to cross America wearing tights! O where cyclekit everywhere..no exceptions so far.
Washi.g clothes is easy in some places..but Wyoming was a real dustbowl and keeping clean was difficult.

I am no longer carrying my trangia cookset. It was old and heavy and I soon realized the front pannier space wad best filled with easy food from a shop. Currently I'm running on peanut butter, honey and bagels!

I think I am about halfway through the trip now..approx. I feel a sense of change this side of Hoosier pass. Leaving the hills and forests behind as I head east across the open plains..Looking at the maps the roads are straight..less rivers and countour lines.

I still have to pinch myself to realize I am actually cycling across America! It's very dreamlike.