As we rounded the top of the mountain and saw one of the most amazing sunrise views, I realized how ridiculously fast these guys have become my family. A lot of this team is aware that I'm careful with the word "friend" or worse, "best friend." And as we were headed back toward Estes Park for Jay, I mentioned how crazy it was that I got to watch the sun rise in the most beautiful place with two of my best friends. It was like catching a little kid cursing for the first time, and they caught it, but I meant it. I sincerely doubt I would have survived these rides or this entire experience without these fellas. I got tiny shivers, but it was cold so maybe that's why. Whatever.
I dropped the guys at the entrance and drove the two hours back to host trying to beat the clock and be able to move the trailer before bins out (basically, when the riders have to pack the trailer in the morning). I got stuck behind elk and was 15 minutes late, but I was happy to hang out with the elk and just sit and know there was nothing I could do to be there faster or work better, so I just sat for 10 minutes staring at the elk and breathing. 'Twas nice. 
To be absolutely honest, it was hard to return to a normal ride day after the 4 hours of early morning I had just experienced. My head was in a completely different place than all of the folks I was with, and I was already scheming ways to surprise Dan & Jay toward the end of their ride. A few riders shared in my excitement, but soon they were on the road, and I in the van alone. Drive highlight: there was a really cool canyon at mile 12, I may have turned around to drive through it twice.
As the shortest day of our whole trip, we were all at host fairly early. Many went hiking, some exploring the surprisingly vibrant community of Kremmling, and I hopped on my bike and headed back to find Dan and Jay as they couldn't be too far off. I was hoping to meet them at the canyon, but they're amazing beasts and had already passed it by the time I reached them. Apparently they were kind of tired from the long day, so I pulled for the last 6 miles. I thought I had accidentally slowed them down, but later learned that they had been slow movin toward the end. 'Twas reassuring after a few painful days to feel like I could contribute in a way that felt worth it. When we approached the turn for the host, I made Jay pass so that he could victoriously enter with Dan. It was still early afternoon, so I continued on riding and exploring until I had done almost as many miles as the actual ride today. Just as I was finishing up, a storm rolled in.
I showered. I napped. Ate some chili prepared by dinna crew. Ventured to a local saloon in the pouring rain. Had the best night of sleep yet.
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