Colorado Fires and the Great Wall

Fires dominated the views on today's 103 mile ride. Everywhere you looked you could see the billowing clouds of smoke from several fires that have started in the last few days. The Colorado forests have had major infestations of the Pine Beetle which has left many standing dead trees. Picture of rock outcropping could be the "Great Wall of Colorado". The picture also captures how many dead trees are in the forest....no wonder there are fires! Left Wyoming early this morning to avoid headwinds which worked for the first 3 miles and then the winds picked up. Crossed over the Colorado border and started to transition from the arid high desert to the mountains of Colorado. Major climb up Willow Creek Pass during the peak heat of the day this afternoon.. More climbing in the Colorado Rockies tomorrow.