Today was the BIG CLIMB over Hoosier Pass - the highest point on the trail at 11,542 feet. The ride started with a bit of a downhill to Kremmling, then a very long slow climb into the Colorado high country.
| Some stunning scenery along the way - on the approach to the little town of Heeney, Colorado |
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Finally arrived at Dillon and have to say that I found that place to be a nightmare. After many days on the road in the "way out there" to have to navigate lots of traffic and the I-70 intersection was kinda nightmare-ish. Luckily there was a beautiful bike path that goes all the way from Dillon to Breckenridge that kept me off roads for the most part (though I have to say that following it was pretty confusing).
Along the path to Breckenridge I had the pleasure of spending a few miles with another rider . . . Alicia was from Boulder in town in Breckenridge with some friends for a huge Mtn Bike race the next day. Thanks again for sharing a few miles with me, Alicia! Nearly got tangled up with a kid on a mountain bike while she and I pedaled along the path. Thought I could execute a stealth pass but it didn't work out so well. . . . (again - sorry about that Alicia!)
| A bike path with a view - outside of Frisco |
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After leaving Breckenridge I started the 11-mile climb up to Hoosier Pass. Have to say I was already sucking the O's a bit even at Breckenridge - by the time I hit the switchbacks up near the top I was really huffing along. Amy had chalked some encouraging words on the pavement up near the top which REALLY helped lighten things up . . . "You can do it!" "Go Jimmy!" "JC rocks!" "Almost there!". By the time I reached the top I'm not sure I "rocked" any more.
Shared some drinks and pics at the top then shoved off for the downhill to Alma then Fairplay. Hit the high 40's - but no 50+ mph like Mike and I hit on the way down Teton Pass into Wyoming. Amy and I linked up and we made our way to the campground for the night . . . a Forest Service Campground at 10,300 feet in a really sweet spot (though an unfortunate 7 miles off the main road via a rock-strewn road).
We returned to Fairplay and did the tourist thing in an authentic 1800's mining town - the real honest-to-goodness South Park! A really cool spot to check out I have to say - even after having put in a 90-miler!
We then had an excellent dinner at Patti's Pizzeria in Fairplay - where the staff were really busting their humps (was wondering what they need to do to make sure the crust baking goes OK at 10,000 feet?).
Tomorrow - a largely downhill dash to Canon City and a HOTEL!
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