So I was right. I regret saying “Bring on Grand Mesa.” While I enjoyed the ride very much, that climb on Monday was the hardest ride I’ve ever done! Though to keep things in balance the 25 mile decent down to Cedaredge was probably the most fun I’ve ever had on a bike. So it all works out.
View from the top
Which brings us to today. I’ll admit, after Monday’s climbs, I looked at the elevation profile for today with more than a bit of trepidation. However, I needn’t have worried; the climbs to start the day were much more subdued. Instead it was fatigue and the headwinds that kicked my butt. However the old adage “misery loves company” worked in my favor and I made lots of new friends commiserating over Mother Nature’s sense of humor.
All of the weather and the fatigue was worth it. Getting to the top of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison and seeing those views of the San Juan Mountains and the Gunnison River below was incredible. I had to make several stops along the descent for more photo ops.
I joke and complain a bit, but I really am having a tremendous time. I’m having trouble figuring out why I’ve never signed up for Ride The Rockies before.
With the ride finished and my shower done, it’s time to head over to the I Bar Ranch for dinner and the evenings festivities.
I hope you all had as good a day as I did and I’ll see you on the road to Crested Butte tomorrow.
Top 3 lies heard today:
- Yeah, you’re at the top
- It’s all downhill from here.
- It’s flat the rest of the way in.