We got a good night of sleep and then prepared for day one - 65 miles from Gunnison to Montrose with 3600' of uphill.
I'd not been to Montrose before so going to a new place was fun.
Dave wore his cool American Racing kit, I went for another kit. I wish I'd have known he was bringing his - I would have worn my too. Good looking kits!
Tent is torn down and our stuff is in the two duffles. The BTC ships two duffles per person from point to point. We ended up with two between us.
Off we headed along the highway.
We made a few stops here and there and took some photos. It's warmer than when we departed....the layers are already disappearing, the sun screen arms are showing, and the leg warmers are slowly moving down my legs.
Dave in front of the reservoir.
We rode to the first rest stop at mile 26 then Dave took off. He's faster so it's easier for him to just go.
There was a really fun downhill section on this segment of the ride. It ended rudely, with little warning, with this sign! Some people wiped out. Happily we didn't though I admit I went through the area in about 80% control. Too fast. :)
The rest stops (this one is mile 44) were organized. It was funny to see lots of "no bike" signs on a bike tour though.
A fun part of the this second rest stop was that it was at Newberry's Store. Jimmy Newberry is a local climber who has done some great stuff in the Black Canyon. Though I'd only met him once before, I hear about him all the time from many.
Jimmy and I in front of the store.
And inside - Jimmy and his mom (the family opened the store 74 years before). If you are in the area, stop by their store - it's very cool!
Outside, another great local climber Chuck Grossman was serenading the crowd of bikers.
Photo op!
The store
And finally in Montrose. Here is the excellent home site Dave selected for us on the school field. It was hot - Dave was rolling around groaning. :)
After a power nap, I came out of the tent and Dave and I visited a Mom Mallard with her 12 babies!
Mom over looking five of her offspring.
Home sweet home! We hid in the relative coolness of the school until the sun was about to set.
Dave lounging in the tent. Tomorrow is an easy day - We are heading to Ouray.
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