Day 78: June 8, 2007
Sightseeing in Sante Fe, New Mexico
Enjoyed a pleasant day in Santa Fe, which has some unique architecture, and a charming (translation: expensive) ambience about it. It was definitely worth a visit. Afterwards, we drove all the way to Cuba, about an hour drive northwest from Albuquerque. Located right on the River of Pork, Cuba's elevation is nearly 7000 feet. Don't believe what anybody tells you about Cuba. Cuba is cold!
Day 79: June 9, 2007
Cuba, New Mexico to Durango, Colorado
Distance: 39.5 miles in 2h 01m (a little bit of cycling, and driving through storms for the rest of the trip!)
Total: 3139 miles Another day that started looking great, so I got on the bike to see how close I could get to Durango. Crossed the Continental Divide again, but after a few hours the clouds rolled in and we found ourselves in some dreary thunderstorm weather. I'm starting to take all these sudden storms personally. Every time I think about unloading my rain gear, which I never use anyway, I seem to pass through another unexpected spell of bad weather. Hmmm. Hope the weather will be better in Colorado. Arrived in Durango (by car, unfortunately) and was immediately impressed with this town. This is my first time in Colorado, and I had heard good things about this town. Great scenery, lots of shops and restaurants, people out having fun. The only problem is that it's chilly here! Time to pull out the wool sweater one more time.
Day 80: June 10, 2007
Durango, Colorado to Pagosa Springs, Colorado
Distance: 61 miles in 4h 35m
Total: 3199 miles
Day 81: June 11, 2007
Pagosa Springs, Colorado to Del Norte, Colorado
Distance: 59.6 miles in 5h 32m
Total: 3259 miles
Day 82: June 12, 2007
Transport by car from Del Norte to Breckenridge, Colorado
It's raining all over the state so I decided to accept a lift instead
of pedaling in freezing rain for the next few days. I thought this
was supposed to be summer time in Colorado!
Day 83 in Colorado Rockies:
June 13, 2007
Roundtrip from Breckenridge to Copper Mountain, Colorado
Distance: 37.5 miles in 2 hours 24 minutes
Total: 3,297 miles
Please check out photos of this ride with incredible
scenery.
Day 84: June 14, 2007
Vsiting Denver
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View from my motel
in Cuba, New Mexico
Pedaling over the Continental Divide again, this time near Farmington, New Mexico
Liquor store in Durango
Main Street - Durango, Colorado
Animas River, near Durango
On the road from Durango
to Pagosa Springs
These memorable gifts from southwestern Colorado are sure to touch the heart of that special mother-in-law in your life. Like they say, it's the thought that counts...
I spent a night camping next to the San Juan River in Pagosa Springs, Colorado
Near Pagosa Springs
Treasure Falls
in the San Juan Mountains
History of Treasure Mountain
Photos from the steep ride up Wolf Creek Pass - 10,850 feet above sea level
I'm not a trucker, but I know this sign means I am almost at the top of the pass.
After 3 hours of uphill pedaling, I finally reached the top of Wolf Creek Pass. At 10,850 feet, the pass straddles the Continental Divide.
These motorcyclists are all military veterans and members of the American Legion in Springfield, Missouri. Why am I always the only one without pants?
Some info about the pass. It was freezing when I got here! West of the Continental Divide, all rivers flow into the Pacific Ocean. East of it, they flow into the Atlantic and the Gulf of Mexico.
Some good reminders for dealing with the effects of high altitude - Del Norte, Colorado
Dusk in Breckenridge, Colorado. It rained all day but the sky finally cleared long enough for me to take these photos.
On the bike path
from Breckenridge
to Copper Mountain
Copper Mountain ski resort.
It's mid-June and there is still plenty of snow on the ground.
Lake Dillon.
I rode the bike path that goes from Breckenridge to Copper Mountain. It also passes near this lake. Definitely one of the most scenic rides I've been on.
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