US Cross Country - Day7 I 70 W

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Distance: 450 miles Time: 9 hrs

I was freezing in my tent at close to 0 deg Celsius. Couldln't get proper sleep due to the cold and woke up at around 5:30 am. Went for a ride to spot animals. One difference I noted was that I saw female (cows) elks. I donno what the deal was with the males. I returned to the site and left for Arches NP at around 930 am. I had to cover 450 miles but since I had some time I decided to go to Denver. Roamed in the downtown for a while and then took I70 towards Utah.

I70 deserves a separate mention in this blog. From Denver to the Colorado-Utah border, I70 is stunning. Very Few interstate highways will have as many turns as I70. Twists n turns, tunnels, mountains, rivers, canyons -- you name it. The rest areas are like tourist attractions. I thoroughly enjoyed I70 a lot. I would rate Colorado as one of the most scenic states in the country. It's awesome.

Entered Utah and the scene changed. Deserted views, high speeds, fewer people on the road and most importantly - no cops. I met some bikers in Utah at gas stations. Special mention of an old couple in their 60s probably from Washington DC doing a cross country (roundtrip). Check out their custom-made bikes. Absolutely fabulous.

Funny incident happened to me on I70. I was cruising at 100 mph with a half tank of gas and a belief that it's an interstate and I will surely find gas stations. Suddenly I saw a board - No services for the next 100 miles. The last gas station had just passed me about 10 miles ago. Plus, people coming from the opposite end would not have had a gas station for 100 miles; hence there would definitely be one close by if I turned around. I decided to make a U-turn :P Actually ended up doing a U-turn where it says "Authorized vehicles only". I couldn't even find an exit in the next 5 miles; hence decided to use the cop's zone since he wasn't there :) costed me about 20 miles or so but gave me the peace of mind of a full tank.

I reached Moab, Utah at around 6 pm. A thunderstorm was passing by and it made me wet. Just for the last 10 miles or so it soaked me. Wet gloves; what a disgusting feeling that is. I checked into my hotel, uploaded pics and went for dinner.

I want to wake up early tomorrow morning to see the Arches. Excited!