After three 8,000+ foot summits, my body was really tired. I slept hard again.
After motel breakfast I hit the road, heading south in the general direction of Telluride.
I knew I was riding slightly uphill, so I decided to take in the scenery and plod along at 9 mph. The temperature was comfortable and the winds were light.
I spotted a coffee shop along the road at Colons don I took a break and had a coffee and a doughnut.
A customer in the shop started chatting with me. She recommended that I not follow the Western Express route over Lizard Head pass and ride off route to the town of Norwood instead. I am always wary of taking route advice from non- cyclists; the terrain looks different from behind the wheel of s car. I thanked her and we both hit the road for Ridgway.
The terrain was slightly hillier but not granny worthy. The lack of a shoulder and the idiots driving campers made sure I was adequately stimulated.
The last three miles into town were on a concrete trail. It went along a river, through a marsh, and into town. A big improvement over the highway.
I stopped at the town bike shop and talked to Nate about the Norwood thing. He agreed that it was a better route that would also bypass Dolores, CO.
I’ll see how I feel after riding through Dallas Divide, an 8,900 foot pass before Lizard Head.
During my ride today I never felt right. My right thigh cramped a few times and I felt light headed. I think my body is tying yo tell me something.
After talking with Nate I decided to have an early lunch and see if I felt like riding on. Lunch made me feel better but I was still a little lightheaded. I checked into a motel and called it a day.
Miles today: 28
Tour miles: 1,647
A Few Spokes Shy of a Wheel 
Listening to your body is so important. Every day is an adventure. Just enjoy what you have. I love reading your reports
Absolutely the right call to rest and relax, then you’ll feel rejuvenated for more riding another day. I second enjoying your reports, and that you even write after long days in the saddle is amazing.
You are wise sir and not in a hurry rest is a good call. You are doing Tour De France summits these days they just don’t have names like Alpe De Huez, Ventoux, Galibier or Tourmalet. Impressive.