Okay. Maybe a bit less. Like 8,000 feet. It was a fun challenge nonetheless.
First up was pretty much nothing but elevation gain to the top of Coal Bank Pass (elevation 10,640'). This involved at least 4,000 feet in gained elevation. It was nice getting this one completed since it seemed it would be the hardest.
Next on the agenda was Molas Pass. This pass sits at about elevation 10,910 feet. Between Coal Bank and Molas, the road drops for about three miles to about elevation 9,700'. It's fun going downhill, but it is also a bummer since that elevation will need to be regained for Molas.
From Molas, we dropped for seven fun miles into the town of Silverton. Sometimes there was even a shoulder! Regardless of the shoulder situation, the drop off from the edge of the road was huge. One mistake and I doubt a body would ever be found. Looks like a bit of a gripper for drivers as well.
In Silverton, we had a bit to eat at the general store. We didn't sit long though - we had 24 more miles of riding and the last mountain pass to get behind us.
This climb starts immediately. Happily it is mild at the beginning as we rode through the valley. It eventually got steeper and steeper. Turning one corner, the switchbacks came into view. Argh! See below for a video of Dave's thoughts at about this time during the ride.
No choice but to just keep moving. We rode until we gained the pass (elevation 11,018'). From here, it was pretty much downhill. We just needed not to fly off the edge or get smushed by a vehicle and we'd be back to Roger's house. Yay!
The downhill portion was fun (even with wicked cross and headwinds). There were many super-tight hair-pin turns. It went on and on and on.
Finally we rounded a corner and caught a glimpse of Ouray from above. It is a neat town in a really amazing setting. I see why so many love it there.
We continued our descent into town, then had about 5 more mile to go on relatively flat roads to get to Roger's.
Dave was waiting for me when I arrived. It was just in time - turns out my back tire when flat after arriving. I'm happy that didn't happen on the road. We went in, got a much needed shower and hung out with Roger for a while.
We finally hit the road. We had a long drive home and we were both tired.
As usual, it was such fun being gone, but we were looking forward to sleeping in our own bed and seeing our critters.
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