The temperature was low 60’s with blue skies at time of departure. As we progressed the temperature actually dropped to 57 degrees, and then gradually increases to upper 70’s by the end of the ride.
Today we were on RT. 50 again from Montrose to Gunnison. The scenery was the best we’ve had on the ride so far. We paid for the privilege with some significant challenges.
We began a gradual climb as we left the hotel. After about two miles the morning mountain down draft winds came at us with a vengeance. We clawed our way through this for close to 10 miles. After that the winds stopped being a factor but the climb rate took over to make our task difficult. We had a 6 miles climb at grades that fluctuated between 5, 6, and 7% until we reached the first mountain pass at 7,900 ft. Then we had a nice downhill run for about 5 miles. The work was not over. Now we had to climb again for another 7 miles to an 8, 700 ft pass at graded similar to the first pass. Our first SAG stop was setup at this second pass.
Today we were on RT. 50 again from Montrose to Gunnison. The scenery was the best we’ve had on the ride so far. We paid for the privilege with some significant challenges.
We began a gradual climb as we left the hotel. After about two miles the morning mountain down draft winds came at us with a vengeance. We clawed our way through this for close to 10 miles. After that the winds stopped being a factor but the climb rate took over to make our task difficult. We had a 6 miles climb at grades that fluctuated between 5, 6, and 7% until we reached the first mountain pass at 7,900 ft. Then we had a nice downhill run for about 5 miles. The work was not over. Now we had to climb again for another 7 miles to an 8, 700 ft pass at graded similar to the first pass. Our first SAG stop was setup at this second pass.
It was much needed and after refueling we were off to finish the last 35 miles of the route.
There were many photo opportunities today with the green mountain meadows, rocky mountain structure outlined with green spruce and another tree with silver bark that jumped out at you visually. As we came down after the second mountain pass we could see a large lake in the distance. It was Blue Mesa lake, and it was maybe 10 miles long. As we descended the mountain and got closer to the lake we could see boaters on the lake. Our route took us along the lake shore for many miles. As we got further along in the ride the large groups of Ride the Rockies riders started to fragment into smaller group with more distance between them. I finished the last 30 or so miles by myself enjoying the scenery and cooler temperatures of the day. This is a place of beauty and I would like to come back to this place.
An added element today was that we shared the route with the annual Ride the Rockies Bicycle event. There were 2000 bicyclists participating in this event. We were told at route rap last night to wear our America by Bicycle jerseys so that the ABB staff would be able to recognize us in this mass of riders. We were also cautioned to be extra careful around these riders since there riding habits may not be up to the standard that we have come to expect from our ABB tour riders. There were no problems, and it was entertaining to see all the riders, SAG wagons, Police escorts and SAG stops they had setup.
Tomorrow we ride we will ride over Monarch Pass, the continental divide and the highest elevation we will do on the trip. Scenery should be spectacular. After that it will be all down hill.
There were many photo opportunities today with the green mountain meadows, rocky mountain structure outlined with green spruce and another tree with silver bark that jumped out at you visually. As we came down after the second mountain pass we could see a large lake in the distance. It was Blue Mesa lake, and it was maybe 10 miles long. As we descended the mountain and got closer to the lake we could see boaters on the lake. Our route took us along the lake shore for many miles. As we got further along in the ride the large groups of Ride the Rockies riders started to fragment into smaller group with more distance between them. I finished the last 30 or so miles by myself enjoying the scenery and cooler temperatures of the day. This is a place of beauty and I would like to come back to this place.
An added element today was that we shared the route with the annual Ride the Rockies Bicycle event. There were 2000 bicyclists participating in this event. We were told at route rap last night to wear our America by Bicycle jerseys so that the ABB staff would be able to recognize us in this mass of riders. We were also cautioned to be extra careful around these riders since there riding habits may not be up to the standard that we have come to expect from our ABB tour riders. There were no problems, and it was entertaining to see all the riders, SAG wagons, Police escorts and SAG stops they had setup.
Tomorrow we ride we will ride over Monarch Pass, the continental divide and the highest elevation we will do on the trip. Scenery should be spectacular. After that it will be all down hill.
3 comments:
Jay, looking at your Motion Based info I can see that you really earned the nice scenery on your ride. Thankfully, the temperature was more comfortable than on the prior couple days.
Last night when I attempted to review the past couple of days of your trip with Mother and Dad, our home network was down and we were unable to do so. We'll see if we can get things working so they can send a comment.
Pops! I'm back and caught up on your ride. Looks like it got hot there for a while and the mountains are as I remember them from 29 Palms. We experienced 114 degree heat, so your computer may not be off by that much. Anyway, the pics are great and glad you enjoyed the cookies.
-Matt
Jay, we enjoy hearing about the things you see and do. To get a daily report from you almost makes us feel that we have been with you on your travels.
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