This route is located in southwestern Colorado on a loop called the San Juan Skyway. The loop we were taking consisted of about 235 miles and had over 24,000 vertical feet in gain. According to the Roadbiking Colorado guide, there are six major climbs along the way. Four of them are high mountain passes of more than 10,000 feet in elevation. Ow.
Unlike the official death ride, were started near Ouray, not Durango. From here, we planned to ride to Telluride on the first day. The second day would take us from Telluride to Dolores, Colorado. From Dolores, on third day, we would ride to Durango. And finally, on the fourth day, we'd ride from Durango to just past Ouray where we started. It appears that the last leg - from Durango to past Ouray - will be the hardest ride ever for me in terms of vertical gain (not to mention it comes after three days of riding already). My rump is going to ache.
Our home base was to be the home of Dave's long-time friend, Roger. He owns a beautiful home between Ouray and Ridgeway. We drove to his house the evening of the 3rd and all went into Ouray for dinner.
After a good meal, we retired to Roger's home for the evening. After some fun conversation and catching up, we all went to bed.
The following morning, we got up and lolly-gagged a bit waiting for it to warm a little outside. Finally, we got dressed, got the bikes ready, and hit the road. Our first let would be to ride from Roger's home to Telluride. This leg of the trip is about 66 miles and includes going over the Dallas Divide gaining about 2,400 feet in elevation.
Immediately, we were presented with our three almost constant companions of the entire ride: chip-seal, strong head winds, and traffic.
In fact, in the guide book (I looked at after returning home), the author states that within a few miles of this ride, "...the climb starts and gradually steepens. This climb never gets too steep, but it is solid and sustained all the way to the top. The headwinds can be fierce up here and can turn this grind into a gruel, but the scenery never quits."
How is it possible to have head winds regardless of the direction we pointed? It seemed impossible. But it was real. At times, the wind was so strong that slobber flew out of my mouth!
Gack!
I really am a drooler!
Still, it was a nice ride. We made a few stops to drink and eat a bar. The only little town with any services was Placerville. It was a nice place to sit for a short time.
From Placerville the ride climbs steadily from about 7,300' to 8,700 feet near Telluride.
Finally, we pulled into Telluride. I was happy that the very last section involved a downhill section! It seems so many towns require an uphill section at the end of the day. It didn't escape me that I would have to ride uphill first thing in the morning though. Oh well.
I'd not been to Telluride before. It is a lovely town. We stayed at the Camel's Garden Hotel - a very nice place in a superb location. It was located near restaurants, as well as next to the tram that takes one to Mountain Village.
We showered then headed for the tram. This took us up and over to the Mountain Village. Here, we looked for the 'lost people of Mountain Village.'
True to the mockumentary (a movie worth seeing by the way), there were few people. However, like the movie, there was clear evidence in the way of widely used valuable resources everywhere that the people had once been here.
Is that not a scary photo of me on the tram?
We hopped back on the tram and headed over the mountain to get some dinner. We found a nearby pub and had a nice meal.
Following the meal, we went over to one of Dave's favorite places: Baked in Telluride. A pastry heaven.
After that, we wandered the streets, checked out the park and just relaxed.
Great day! Tomorrow we head to Dolores. Should be fun...
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