There are signs that I am taking too long to get across the county. Yesterday, there was snow on the ground. Today, as I climbed up past Cedar Break, not only was there more snow on the ground, I noticed the leaves are turning yellow, red and orange.

Today was the last big climb I will face in a long time, 4800 feet between Panguitch and Cedar City. There are campgrounds along the climb. Like other big climbs, I wrote down how far each was and how much climbing to reach it. The National Park Service had forecasts for the campgrounds. All of them were going to get into the 20’s overnight. I just don’t have the physical fortitude to camp when the temperatures are in the 20’s. Another sign I am taking too long and strong motivation to get to Cedar City in one day.

I left Panguitch at 7:30 in the morning. It was a good thing I started so early because I didn’t get to Cedar City until 6:30 p.m. If I had started any later, I would have probably been riding at night.

The last highway into Cedar City was narrow with many sharp turns. It was also very busy with drivers that would only give me the smallest space as they sped around the corners. It was a little unnerving.

Since I basically did two days of riding today, I will probably take a rest day tomorrow. I’m not sure I will be able to pedal anyway.