Over the Continental Divide at Monarch Pass

June 20 Day 19 63 miles

We crossed the continental divide at last. The route started out in Gunnison on another cool morning, then ascended gradually for the first 30 miles, through rolling hills covered in dry scrub, and capped with firs. The stream running along the road was filled to capacity, and gushing from all the snowmelt. After a quick break, we were suddenly riding upward, in the lowest gear possible, for the next 1 1/2 hours. The nine mile climb was beautiful, with gradually transitioning landscape, as we ascended 3000 feet to the pass. We celebrated with a photo, and the usual food from our SAG stop.

The next 20 miles to Salida was almost entirely a coast, fast at the top, and tapering as we entered the town. The ride tomorrow will continue to descend gradually all day.

We set out under blue skies. You can just see the white peaks of yesterday's mountains in the background .

The approach to the mountains became greener and more hilly, the closer we got.

And the the climb began, steadily up the same grade, for 1 1/2 hours.

We all took celebratory photos at the top!

The ride down took a lot less time than the trip up, but we stopped every 10 minutes to give our hands a rest from the braking.

There was one unexpected encounter on the way down. I am told the big horn sheep come to the roads to lick salt.

OK, this requires some explanation. Those who have been reading the blog know that I ride fairly consistently with Jim and Michael. Ray told us today that we have been dubbed the Three Amigos. So why not embrace it!

Salida is a lovely little town, with all of the basics. We made this our last stop before the hotel.