Stage 25 Report: Mountains to Desert

Tuesday, June 20, 2017
Start; Snowmass, CO
Finish: Delta, CO
Total Bike Mileage: 120.0 mi
Cumulative Bike Mileage: 1870.9 mi

From Mountains to Desert!

Today would unfold gradually like a series of patiently disclosed gifts to be unwrapped as we crossed through different biomes departing the Rocky Mountains with some ennui for the mountain climbs to new heights.

The morning opened early with a beautiful spinning descent of Snowmass Resort via its dedicated well-groomed cycling path to the main road. We turned west onto Rt82 and enjoyed the gradual descent beside the Roaring Fork River which emanated westward from the high gathering of trickling streams at Independence Pass and traversed through Aspen and beyond. A ferocious display of rapidly melting snow as the river slushes down the valleys into a true lion's violent powerful roar. We tried to keep pace with its surges as the river poured over its banks and swept me up in passion for nature's beauty surrounding me.

The road descended the Rockies for a very enjoyable morning spin as we continued to a junction where we turned south onto Rt133 at the town of Carbondale. A vast mountain, Mount Sopris, off in the distance standing volcanically tall above a gorgeous valley fed by its own waters, the Crystal River traversing the Crystal Valley. The first morsel of red stone vaulted cliffs here (we will see even grander days later) jutted angular rock formations, rich grazing and farmland soils - one could not pray for a more lovely valley to bicycle through on a beautiful summer day.

We continued to a absorb this picturesque valley to the small town of Redstone where we stopped for a nice lunch at its historic Redstone Inn, originally built in 1902 to house coal miners, but now renovated for guests with similar enjoyment of the Crystal River byway. A note to myself to return to this pleasant well-appointed Inn someday on more relaxing terms.

Past Hays Creek Falls, then a 3.4 mi, 8-9% graded switchback climb brought us to the peak of McClure Pass, elevation 8755 ft, and over westward to another valley fed by the north fork of the Gunnison River; the landscape darkening with volcanic rock, gradually drying, harsher stone cliffs, less vegetation, leading to a long sinewy dammed cliff-hugging lake, known as Paonia State Park. The road wound round the slot canyon lake for miles bringing us to a few huge industrial mines with shoots and ladders that reminded me of an amusement park ride, ultimately dumping coal into mile-long train cars. Colorado coal country.

We emerged from the hot windless long winding canyon at the town of Hotchkiss and continued through a long valley, a cobbler-full of fruit-growing trees and berries in farms along the path. No time to stop now. Hungry and seat-sore we pushed forward. We climbed a crest of a hill and I looked out upon the horizon. Desert everywhere. Not a single tree. Swirling sand dunes and ashen mountains and parched desert flora lay before me for a hundred miles of visible terrain. A dead young prairie dog on entry. Other live ones foraging in the evening light. Welcome to the desert! Your journey's wandering has only begun!

We pulled into Delta, CO; settles into the Quality Inn, drank nourishing chocolate milk, showered and enjoyed multiple dinner plates at a delicious Asian restaurant, House of Chin.

Our longest day cycling this trip. 120 miles completed. Not the most strenuous day of our journey in terms of chain gritty work effort needed. But we stood at a crossroads. Delta, CO was our entry point to America's vast western desert. A dry mouth informed, yet I immersed myself in the knowing.

I enjoy the tranquility and gentle shaded nuances of sandy and mineral-enriched colors  that the desert offers. We will venture forward tomorrow. First, rest and digest. I am excited for tomorrow.

Blaze Stage 25 Photos and Video

Indexes:

Weather: (10)

Terrain: (10)
Good roads, only one significant climb to McClure Pass

Scenic: (12)
Beautiful mix of rivers, canyons, climbs, and desert; if ever in CO I encourage you to take Scenic Rt133 through the Crystal Valley

Endurance: (10)

Wildlife and Roadkill:
W-deer, Eagle with eaglets in a giant nest near Basalt, CO, prairie dogs
R-raccoon, skunk, birds, unidentifiable fur, prairie dogs

Medical Report:
None

Bike report:
None

Still Having Fun: (11)