Ride the West: Rise to Monarch Pass

Thursday, June 21, 2018

Gunnison to Salida, Colorado
64.2 miles
4,006' climbing
4 hours 52 minutes
3,025 calories
13.2 mph average
46.5 mph maximum

Had breakfast with two staff members who filled me in on some of the coming attractions on today's ride. Pretty much a flat 30 miles to the base of the climb to Monarch Pass. Climb is 9 miles straignt up. First mile can see some 10% or more gradient but the remaining miles settle in at a gentle 6-7%. At the summit (11,300') there's a Gondola to take you up to a full 12,000' to take in some views. From there it's an 18 mile downhill ride into Salida.

OK. A working day, figuring a two hour constant climb sandwiched by some easier cycling.

Concerned that it's pretty brisk in the morning, I donned a wind vest and arm warmers for the first 30 miles. All warmed up after the pleasant 30 miler, I tossed the vest and arm sleeves into the van at the first SAG stop at the base of the climb. As I thought, it took me all of two hours to climb that stretch to the summit. I did take some breathers as much as for physical relief as a mental break. The air seemed a little thin but not as bad as I had expected but still, I was a little more loopy than summiting Donner Pass or Mount Rose earlier.

I met most of my usual cycling pack at the summit as they arrived somewhat earlier. Took a couple congratulatory photos by the Continental Divide sign, and then they headed down to Salida. I opted to take the gondola to the top and take a look around. After grabbing a few shots - it was blustery and cool for a June equinox - I hustled back down to the van and grabbed my vest and arm warmers for the expected windy and cool ride down.

Very nice roads very thin shoulders and a fair amount of traffic consisting of a lot of vacationers driving huge campers with not very great driving skills. One of our riders today was bumped in his shoulder by the back end a camper. He was pushed off the road into some gravel and were it not for his mad bike handling skills, this is a story that would have had a tragic ending.

As for me, I did pick up a fair amount of speed. But after seeing a herd of elk trying to cross the road if front of me, they dashed back into woods before I was on top of them, I decided to drop back from the 40's to the 30's speed wise.

Arriving in Salida at what was probably the fastest 20 miles I've ever done, I popped into McD's for a Fillet of Fish and Smoothie. Most of the others had headed into the historic district, to sample local eateries. Knowing they were already there a while, I decided a quick stop at a familiar joint would save me time so I could recharge and rest sooner. The days and miles are catching up with me. Although the riding is amazing, I'm looking forward to returning to my former life again.