Today was another tough day for Michelle. She has a cold virus and cannot seem to shake it. She is so full of perseverance though and tried to bike today, despite feeling awful. She made it about 5 miles (all uphill) and would have continued, had Emily and Rebekah not stopped her. Her body just needs more rest time, but we also want to stay on schedule since we made reservations at the Grand Canyon campground. So, we stuck out our thumbs and patiently waited for a pickup truck to stop by. The first couple of people who stopped weren't headed the right direction. The third lady was headed the right direction, but only for 5 miles. However, she offered her services of "Chinese healing" to Michelle, free of charge. This was quite the sight to see. Firstly, Michelle doesn't really like being touched. And secondly, the woman's techniques and beliefs were far-fetched. Emily and Rebekah quietly laughed as Michelle was massaged, rubbed, pushed, and prodded on the side of the road. We thanked the eccentric lady and again tried to find Michelle a ride.

Eventually, a black pickup truck with a young couple from Denver pulled over. They were traveling around with their toddler son and going all the way to Cortez. How perfect! We loaded Michelle's bike into the back of the truck and planned to meet her at La Mesa RV Park in Cortez. 

Emily and Rebekah made it the rest of the way up the 12-mile climb (about a 2,000 ft elevation increase). After that, the rest of the day was mainly downhill save for two or three smaller climbs. The last 35 miles passed by fairly quickly. It was a hot day though and a reminder that we will soon be in the desert and will have to carry a lot more water. 

As planned, Michelle was dropped off at La Mesa RV Park. She was able to take a little nap and let her body rest up. Tomorrow we plan to bike just 15 miles to Towaoc. There is a casino resort there that offers camping and also use of their pool/sauna. We can't wait for a relaxing day...and possibly winning big on the slots!! :)