Salida to Royal Gorge – 1000 mile mark – Day 26

Woke up early next to the raging Arkansas River. We headed into Salida for a big breakfast and headed East around 10AM (early for us).

Pretty fast riding today with a nice tailwind – pedaled over the 1000 mile mark in Pleasant Valley, CO. We decided a celebration was in order so we gave our butts a break and white river rafted for 15 miles. I can’t say I jumped on this idea immediately but after a little persuasion from Gene I decided to give it a go and so happy I did! I did listen intently to the safety talk as a few miles back we saw a few rafters had been tossed out of their boat. I had no intention of swimming in the 55 degree water.

After we were back on our bikes we came across a few guys on their own “rafting tour”. They appeared to need a hand so Gene came to their rescue. Definitely hard to describe what these guys were doing so I hope the pics tell the story. One thing for sure is that they were having a great time.

We ended our day up near Royal Gorge at Starlite Campground – what a great find! (1020 miles)

Camp

Beautiful ride thru the canyon

1000 mile mark – feels good!


Time to raft – Class 3 rapids so I definitely wedged my feet under the seat good and held on tight. Gene chose the bow (of course) while I opted for safety in the back.

Thank you Kevin – a great tour guide


Like I said.. I hope the pics tell the story.

A cold beer tastes great after 1000 miles


And a bottle of wine in the comfort of our 1966 Shasta Trailer named “Sally”- yet another day in paradise.

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Monarch Pass – Day 25

Big climb over Monarch Pass today. At 11,312 this will be the highest we go. From our teepee it’s about a 3,000 foot climb over about 10 miles. Teepee was a great find as we had a good storm with pretty high winds.

Fortunately, Tomichi Creek’s new cook started today and some locals brought her some eggs to fry up. After a long breakfast and lots of coffee with the local crew, we loaded up and headed up to tackle the pass. Took our time as it was going to be very cold going down. Another cyclist (Andrew) actually bought some winter gloves from Leon as he was going up early.

Ride up was a challenge but beautiful. Jenn must have had an extra cup of coffee as it took everything I had to keep up with her at the top. We were soaking wet by the time we got to the top so sat in the gift shop and had tea hoping to dry off a bit before we headed down.

The 25 mile ride down to Poncha Springs was amazing. I used the GoPro cam from my family to do a video of the descent. When I figure out how to upload it I will add it here.

Ended the day in Salida, CO – a great town on the Arkansas River. Ran into one of the guys racing in Tour Divide A 2700 mile mountain bike race along the Continental Divide. This may be next years adventure. (981 miles)

I gave Jenn a bit of a head start

Wasn’t long before I was waiting for her to catch up :)

A brief break to play on the rocks

“The top has to be just around that corner – please”. BTW – Jenn is up there somewhere.

Finally the TOP – it should be all downhill from here to Chicago!

Will try to add video of the ride down at some point.

Here is Ethan Passant (third place in the Tour Divide) and all his gear. This is everything he carries for a 2700 mile self supported mountain bike race – amazing!

Arkansas River going through Salida

Blue Mesa to Sargents, CO (base of Monarch Pass) – Day 24

Awoke to a beautiful sunrise coming over the mountains. Made Jenn her coffee and headed into Gunnison for a Mexican brunch and some wandering around town.

Clouds started rolling in and we decided to try and beat the storms to our next stop, the metropolis of Sargents, CO at the base of Monarch Pass. We were just able to outrun the storms but did get a little wet.

A big thanks to Leon at Tomichi Creek Trading Post for staying open a little late to throw a pizza in the oven and join us for some good conversation and a couple of beers. He also set us up in a teepee for the evening so we did not have to set up our tent in the rain and dark. (943 miles)

“Pedal faster, we can beat the storm to camp”

We made it and the sun actually peaked out briefly!

Our home for the evening

Jenn is digging the teepee – I think she is contemplating whether she needs to sleep with the bear spray or not. Wait till she sees the yurt were going to camp in this winter!

Thanks to Leon for the pizza, beer and general hospitality! If you ever get to go over Monarch Pass make sure you stop at Tomichi Creek Trading Post.

Couch Surfing -Montrose to Blue Mesa – Day 22 & 23

How could we leave Montrose after everyone treated us so well? We decided to hang out for another day. After touring all the local bike shops and of course second hand stores we headed to the park for lunch. Gene now had all the supplies to make the belt he so desperately needs – he’s now a 32″ waist.

We tried CouchSurfing.com for the first time and were spoiled by our hosts. Gene had to drag me out of there! We are looking forward to hosting travelers in our new home in Victor, ID. Big thanks to our wonderful CS hosts Rob and Robin – hope we can return the favor sometime.

After a quick stop to check out Western Days and a few minor summits, we decided to camp at Blue Mesa Reservoir as it was so serene. Great neighbors too- we weren’t there five minutes and a neighbor brought us a couple cold beers. (898 miles)

Interesting place for this thing but happy to find it.

Enjoying a beer provided by a fellow camper – must have looked like I needed one.

This must be why they call it Blue Mesa Resevoir

Montrose, CO – love this town – everything is free! -Day 21

I decided this would be my (Jenny) first post as I lived thru the night to write about it. Gene is right it is a beautiful area but having to hang food (so the bears don’t get it) and being awakened in the middle of the night by a pack of howling coyotes does not make for a great night’s sleep. Thanks to my friends at Wayne Hummer for the bear spray I slept with this night.

The next morning was beautiful…we enjoyed the sun coming up and now I could see what might be coming to eat me:) I was definitely looking forward to our hotel night! We enjoyed a spectacular descent into Montrose just as they were kicking off “Main in Motion” (street festival every Thursday evening). (836 miles)

Camp

Gene cooks but I had to retrieve the food

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I also had to fetch the water from the spring

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Saying good-bye to our great camp hosts Larry and Martha

Time to go down:)

Gene had to stop and play in the snow!

Got off the plateau just in time to enjoy Montrose’s ‘Main in Motion’ where everything was free–hot dogs, chips, soda, massages, puppies, beer, etc

Light enough to add to Gene’s trailer

Hotdogs for 10 cents! Gene found another stand where they were FREE! and included chips, drink and frisbee! He wanted me to ask this stand if they would price match.

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Climb to Columbine – Day 20

Spent the morning in Naturita having breakfast and gathering info from the visitor’s center and a good-bye to our friend Sandy.

We decided to venture off-road today… a mere 32 miles and 4000 feet of elevation stood between us and Columbine Campground in the Uncompahgre National Forest. It was slow and steady but enjoyable to be on a road less traveled. We enjoyed a couple of breaks on the way up to take in the scenery.

Hoped this was not an indication of road conditions in the National Forest. Jenn’s friend ‘Wolf’ did warn her of potholes that swallowed up small pickups – as well as telling her about bears, snakes and mountain lions that roamed the woods up on the plateau.

Gene decided he needed a nap on the way up!

We finally made it to the top and after some searching found the camping area just before sunset allowing us to set up camp, make dinner and hang our food just before nightfall. Another great day! (799 miles)

LaSal, UT to Naturita, CO – Day 19

This has to be one of the most beautiful days we’ve had. Beautiful canyons and valleys plus perfect weather. In addition, great climbs and descents as we entered Colorado. (767 miles)

Morning view from our patio.

The LaSal’s are getting closer.

Fuel for the day from the General Store in La Sal.

After going the wrong way yesterday Jenn is verifying my route.

I couldn’t find no stinking Waterpark!

Sweet!!!

Goodbye Utah… Hello Colorado!

Anyone want to invest in some property in Colorado?

Thanks to John from Libertyville for the cold spring water! Beautiful place in western Colorado.

Paradox Valley

Flintstones, meet the Flintstones…

Yes, that gray building on the right is the post office!

Had to go a couple miles off the main road to find some shade for lunch.

Thanks to the friendly folks of Naturita that let us camp in their park. And a special thanks to Sandy for warning us about the sprinkling system that goes on in the middle of the night. We also enjoyed the Chinese Flying Lantern show. I need to get me some of them.

Eastbound and down… – Day 18

After a nice rest day we got back on the road again. After about 8 miles of going uphill we realized we were going the wrong way. At least we had a really nice downhill ride.

Got back to the right road and it was a bit scary as it was a truck route with hardly any shoulder. Had hoped to get to Hole in the Rock before it closed and refuel but no such luck. Will have to stop back there on the way back. This couple carved a 5,000 square foot home out of the red sandstone.

Found a great road to head east on – UT Route 46! Heavenly road; nobody on there but us and some cows.

Unable to refuel, Jenn ran out of Gas about 4 miles from LaSal, UT so we found some level ground about a hundred yards from the road on what I believe was Rattle Snake Ranch. Fortunately we did not see any rattlesnakes but we were definitely not alone that night. (712 miles)

Who would keep a bison in the desert?

At least the wrong way had nice views of the LaSal Mountains

Ken’s Lake – got to see it twice. Had to be 98F in the shade!

Eastbound on heavenly Route 46 – and it will take us into Colorado!

Jenn wanted to know if what she saw next to our tent was “rattlesnake pooh” – it was deer scat.

Moab, UT (rest day) – Day 17

Spent the day checking out Moab and spent the evening on a Canyonlands by Night boat tour on the Colorado River. Also had the required chores on a rest day, inspect the bikes, laundry, nap, inspect the local taverns and eating establishments.

Met 3 good guys riding cross country at Poison Spider Bikes. Check out there blog at thisisvicariousness@blogspot.com. (667 miles)

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Full Moon pic for our friend Maiya

Arches National Park – Day 16

Got up early to ride into Arches to avoid some of the heat and crowds. Great downhill trail to the entrance and then a nice climb into the Park. This place is amazing! Pictures speak for themselves.

Thanks to Lloyd and Ricki of Springville, OK for saving Jenn from the heat and dehydration. She ran out of water and energy after the ride and hike to Delicate Arch and they gave her a ride to the visitor center. She could not have asked for better company, not too mention their AC worked really well.

Ride to Moab was downhill. Spent the night at “Grandma’s House” as the Lazy Lizard Hostel was full. Shared Grandma’s House and breakfast with Kevin and Sam (Ameicorps) and Aaron and Amber on there way to LA where Aaron is doing his residency. (649 total miles)