May 1 to 3 2015 - Colorado National Monument Bike Riding

We did in for my 49th birthday and wanted to do it again - so off we headed to western Colorado to ride at the Colorado National Monument.

It's a nice ride and the traffic is courteous. Maybe because they can't be aggressive of they might just pitch over the edge to a gruesome death.

Pente loves it here too. She can play on the rock and enjoy being outdoors in a safe environment.

At the edge of the monument near our campsite.

Looking down into Grand Junction/Fruita area

Happy feline

We got up the next morning and headed out.

Looking spiffy!

There are endlessly beautiful views here as we ride the rim.

We first left the campground and headed down passed the entrance station.

We traverse through town to the other entrance station to start the ride back up.

On our way back into the park.

Here is what coloradoguy.com has to say about this ride: "A great place for road bikers ...
Rim Rock Drive is a paved 23 mile road that runs the course of Colorado National Monument, connecting the west entrance in Fruita and east entrance in Grand Junction. There are steep climbs once you get past either entrance; at Fruita, the elevation 4690 feet, and at Grand Junction, the elevation is 4930 feet. The highest point in the road (closer to Grand Junction) is 6640 feet, and the visitor center (four miles from the Fruita entrance) is 5787 feet.
As a road bicyclist, I do recommend that you enjoy Colorado National Monument by bike. Although the road doesn't have much shoulder, traffic is relaxed. Drivers seem respectful and hardly in a rush, and in fact, many are tourists who cruise slowly to take in the scenery. The fact that they charge $10 for admission for a car and $5 for bicycles certainly eases traffic. Also, if you bike on a weekday or when weather is far-from-pleasant, expect less user conflict." 

Dave got a photo of me heading up the switch backs.

Off I go.

Taking in another pretty view.

Here is the high point on the loop.  We also took the side trip to the little bitty town called Glade Park. This adds a fair number of miles and the general store is a fun treat.

When we arrived, some little kids had set up a lemonade stand that we went to.

Some climbing formations behind me.

Group photo at the rim!

And back to camp.  We took Pente out to get her some exercise and fun.

She never grew tired of it.

Views are spectacular here.

Happy hour on the rock!  The next day, Dave road the loop again in the reverse order. I did some of it but grew very tired of the head winds. It was  nice to get back to camp and just relax for a bit. Great get away!