Ride the Rockies II

Wes did it again! This year, Ride the Rockies covered 543 miles in Southwest Colorado, climbing four of Colorado’s most scenic mountain passes including Red Mountain, Coal Bank, Wolf Creek and Poncha Pass. The first day was in Grand Junction, and included a ride of 46 miles through the Colorado National Monument, a beautiful area of red rock canyons and plateaus. Day two took the riders south to Delta via Grand Mesa, a cold and wet ride of 90 miles. Day three was only 67 miles to Ouray, one of the most beautiful mountain towns we have ever seen. One feels as though you are in Bravaria! Wednesday was a grueling day, riding 70 miles over three passes, the highest being 11,090 ft. before arriving in Durango in the southwest corner of Colorado. On Thursday, the riders only had to ride 85 miles east to Pagosa Springs, over rather flat terrain. Friday was another killer, 90 miles and crossing Wolf Pass at 10,850 ft. before arriving at Alamosa where we had purple potatoes! The final day took them north across desert, crossing Poncha Pass
at 9,019 ft. before heading into Salida.

Ride the Rockies - The Finish Line

He did it!! Finished 380 miles in 6 days, climbing Independence Pass, Monarch Pass, and McClure Pass..long steep climbs, and treacherous downhill switchbacks! What a guy...my hero!! Rocky and I acted as the support team, giving Wes much needed cheers and sustenance at the end of each day. We're home, none the worse for the wear!! Though Rocky may be the one most in need of rest!

II left Wes at Tent City in Glenwood Springs, CO last night as he prepared to crawl into his tent to get a good night's sleep for his 80 ride from Glenwood Springs to Hotchkiss. This leg of the 380 mile journey goes over McClurg Pass at 8755 ft. Tomorrow is another 80 miles from Hotchkiss to Gunnison, which is where I will catch up with him again!