Thursday, June 25, 2009

To Fairplay, CO.


It was pleasant cruising though the lush pastures in the valley of Colorado's South Park with snow capped mountains to the left. That was till that thunderstorm on the left caught up with me and brought a strong headwind with it. That made for a tough last 10 miles but a hot shower and motel room were the reward after a long day.

Hartsel


We refueled here before the last leg to Fairplay. Left to right: Rusty, me, Tom, Ingo.

Current Creek Pass summit


Here I am, glad to be at the summit. Unfortunately the awesome view of the snow capped mountains isn't clear against the clouds.

Current Creek Pass


Ingo nearing the summit.

Current Creek Hostel


This was the only place to fill our water bottles in the remote alpine valley that the pass follows.

Current Creek Pass


On the way up there were a couple short downhills but the elevation was quickly regained and the steady climb continued.

Royal Gorge to Fairplay


We were on the road by 6am this morning for a big day in the mountains. 66 miles with 6700ft climbing. This is looking toward the start of the 26 mile long Current Creek Pass.