On a map this loop up in the high country above Mancos, CO looks big and in real life it is! We rode 34 miles with 3503′ of climbing. Let the trumpets sound; we hit our high altitude of the year at 11,051′. Hell, the low point of this ride was 9000′. We rode a small section of this loop on some of our gravel rides in the past couple months but mountain bikes are a must for the whole loop. It’s really really rocky and rough in spots, and steep! The max grade was 18% and we even had to hike a really chunky section.
There is something so special about filling a water pack, grabbing a Clif bar, and just heading out for an adventure. The afternoon thunderstorms seem to be starting early this year and yesterday we heard rumbles and felt a few drops but were spared. It was a warm day even up at those high elevations. We had great views of Sharkstooth Peak and Hesperus Mountain for a bit. It seemed as though we were going to climb right on to the flanks!
Life off the bike continues as well of course. I’m reading The Lincoln Conspiracy about the plot to assassinate Lincoln before he was even inaugurated. We ventured out to a liquor store to restock our beer supply the other day. Only one person at a time is allowed in, hand sanitizer is outside the door and all over inside. Masks are required and the employee goes around and sanitizes everything you touch. So good news, we got some new beer!
Leave a Reply