Moab to Canyonlands National Park - Spectacular century ride where skinny tires rule

I got up early and made a hearty breakfast. This was going to be big day. The distance wasn't huge, only a hundred miles but most of it would be up around 6,000 feet of elevation with 6,000 feet of climbing and I was going to carry all of my water for the whole ride. I decided two gallons was the right amount so I put on saddle-bags and filled them up. I was glad that most of the climbing was early because the fast descents with all that weight on the back can get squirrely. The other factor was the wind which was pretty strong for the first half going out and was strong and gusty on the return which led to some sketchy moments. It seems I spend a good bit of my time out here with my legs gripping the top tube to stabilize the bike on the down hills. This ride ended up easily making into the top five rides of all time for me. The beauty, the people I met and the roads I was on were all great but I also just love to climb and it seems I'm getting used to the altitude.

This tunnel and rail line is part of the umtra project. This is an old uranium mine and the government is cleaning up decades of mine tailings that rest right next to the Colorado River. They are moving 5,000 tons each day to a final resting place 30 miles north of here. They started in 2006 and expect to be finished in 2025. Seven days a week. Whoa.

Part of the awesome bike path that runs all around the Moab area. I am grateful to not be riding on the shoulder of the main highway.
 

Once I reached Utah hiway 313 there was a full shoulder with signage warning vehicles not to use the shoulder as it was intended only as a bike lane. I feel the love.
 

I am grateful to get to see this from a bicycle. There is no way to get the same effect from a vehicle at highway speeds that can't just stop anytime to get a better look.
 

If you look in the background you can see the Colorado river valley and in the foreground is the Green river valley. Together they have formed this masterpiece that is 2,000 feet deep and 20 miles across.
 

Lucky likes it too. I met lots of nice folks today and took my time at overlooks and just impromptu stops along the way. As the day went on the 16 pounds of water disappeared and lucky got lighter. The wind got crazy on the way home and some of the descents were a bit hectic so I just slowed it down more than normal and took a few extra stops. One nice thing was the cell signal I had most of the day and I kept up with friends along the way which was nice. This stuff has to be shared and Lucky never talks back.

Not sure what type this guy is but he seemed harmless enough.
 

Back on the path and headed back to my ripstop nylon home. It was a great day and I feel blessed to be able to experience it and share it with you. This is bike heaven.