Day 5

Coming into Ouray. 

We hopped on the bikes early Wednesday morning for a beautiful loop up HWY 550 from Durango into Ouray, CO. This is the route we took. Day 5 Loop: Day 5 Route
 We had taken 550 south out of Ouray on our way into Durango on Monday, but if you choose to ride it, the ride going north is, in my mind, well worth the trip. The combination of scenery, twisties and sunrise is undoubtedly, one of the most amazing rides I've had. We left early in the morning to avoid traffic congestion and did run into a 12 mile stretch of construction on the way. Breakfast was at a local cafe,where we joined 2 fellow riders on dual sports, who's focus was riding from peak to peak on gravel and single track trails.

After breakfast, we headed north through Ridgeway to Noel and on to Placerville. We made a pit stop at a small road side creek for some photo ops, between Placerville and Sawpit. 

The next stop was the old mining town (now ski town) of Telluride. Another fantastic point of interest. This is a one way town, meaning there is only one way in and one way out on SPUR 145. I've added a video for viewing which shows the view as you enter the valley. 

In Telluride, you can take a free gondola ride the the summit Coonskin Mountain. From there you will see the surrounding peaks with ease, and you have the option of riding over to Mountain Village via gondola if you wish. The best part, is its all free!

                                                   

The summit offers mountain bike runs during the summer months, and ski runs during the winter. I will need to plan on bringing the bike next time!

  As the temperature warmed and we continued south on HWY 145, the elevation slowly declined. By the
 end of the day we stopped in Dolores for some hydration, and ended our day at the Tomahawk Motel in Cortex where it was a scorching 95 degrees. We slept well!

Day 3-4: Colorado Springs to Durango

Yesterday, we took off from Colorado Springs, headed to the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park.  On the way, we stopped at this great local restaurant in Gunnison called the Ol' Miner Steakhouse. They had a great soup and salad bar.

Ol' Miner in front of the bikes, Gunnison, CO.

 The next stop was about 60 miles away at the Black Canyon National Park.

The pictures don't even get close to giving this area justice. It is enormous and makes does a great job of letting you know how small you truly are!

This area was called the painted cliffs. 

 We didn't get a ton of time at the canyon, because it was another 3 hours to Durango. We arrived at about 7:00 pm, just in time to get our room and something to eat. Luckily for us, the Durango Brewing Company was right next to our hotel! We had a taste of their specialized Amber Ale, and pork sandwiches.

 This morning, we got up to ride the Durango and Silverton Train. The trip up to Silverton was about 3.5 hours. Great scenery, but if we were to do it again, we would have taken the bus on our way back instead of the train again. All together it was about 7 hours on an open narrow gauge train car at about 20 miles per hour, with real coal and steam in your face! It was a once in a life time experience. Ironically, we sat right next to a couple from Eden Prairie. Small world.

Tomorrow, we head out on a route called the San Juan Highway. It's about a 250 mile loop around the area. We are anxious to get back on the bikes.

Talk with you soon.

Day 2: North Platte to Colorado Springs

We were back on the bikes again today around 6:30 this morning. We took the interstate until we came to Denver. Our original plan was for us to break off of the interstate just past the Colorado border and bypass Denver altogether, but unfortunately, we totally missed the turn off! Must have been memorized by the endless feedlots and cattle farms. 

Traffic was pretty intense around Denver and through to Colorado Springs. I figure it's a Saturday and people have places to go. It is a BUSY area. We are going to be glad to get off of the interstate tomorrow. I am still amazed at the first set of mountains I've seen in quite a while! They are spectacular. 

Dad and I arrived in Colorado Springs around 12:00 Mountain Time. We had a bite to eat at the Village Inn, which was similar to an old Country Kitchen. Great food, and our waitress was helpful guiding us to our next stop, Pikes Peak. 

Most of the picts from today's travels were of that. It was a beautiful ride up to the summit. I'll let the pictures to the talking! 

Crystal Reservoir

Pikes Peak from a distance.

Dad taking some photos.

Getting the Go Pro ready.

BIG FOOT!

This is on the way to the summit. Dad was behind me recording video, and then I  lost him, so I figured I take a few shots while I waited.

Getting higher....

Snow!

Riding on the Edge

The Summit, 14, 115

Dad feeling the effects of thin oxygen. We both were a bit lightheaded.

Pictures from the Summit.

They have a shop and a trolley at the summit. AMAZING!

We weren't the only ones up there.

Afterwards, we stopped for some coffee and ice cream. We deserved it!

Hope all is well back home! Miss everyone. We will update tomorrow.