Pueblo Colorado and Heat Exhaustion

I camped at an RV park at Royal Gorge, Colorado and although yet another series of storms came through it was really relaxing.

I left for my ride into Pueblo and this was my first clew that it was going to be a tough day. Enjoying a nice downhill run at about 35 MPH only to have to come to a complete stop for road construction! Really??? Then riding through the hot, sticky tar...yuck!

As the day went on the temperature went up, eventually hitting 100. I was a little over 2 miles from Pueblo and something that hasn't ever happened before happened...heat exhaustion! All of sudden I got very dizzy and had a difficult time focusing. I got off my bike, drank more water and tried to collect my thoughts. I sat there for about 30 minutes and tried to start again but it wasn't happening. I set my bike down and sat on pavement of a turn off road trying to get myself to where I could ride the final 2 1/2 miles. Then a truck pulled up and the gentleman (Chris) asked me if I was okay and I asked him if he had any cold water but he didn't. We talked for a few minutes then loaded my bike and gear into his truck and he drove me the final couple miles to a convenience store where I got something to drink and waited out another thunderstorm. I had already contacted a Warmshowers host and she agreed to host me for the night. I met Ellen at her house and she prepared a delicious salmon dinner and fresh veggies from her garden. WOW! did that ever hit the spot after the long, hot day. Ellen had a separate guest bedroom and bathroom that she let me stay in and it was lovely! I slept like a baby!
Thank you so much Chris for stopping to help me...I'm not sure what I would have done and to Ellen for inviting me into your home, the conversations and awesome dinner! Your cats were adorable too :)

I left Ellen's home about around 7:30 this morning and after a few miles I just didn't feel right so I decided to take a rest day and make sure I'm properly rested and hydrated for the next leg of my trip which will take me to Ordway, Colorado and ever closer to the Kansas state line. I've had a lot of people offer some great advice to deal with the heat and the long stretches between towns in the state.
The events of yesterday have helped better prepare me for the rest of my journey and once again shown me the true generosity and compassion of the people across America.

Cumulative Miles - 1,499.6