This was a day where many things changed. The physical environment did and it feels as though we have come back to civilization. Kremmling did not have a lot to offer, but Dillon is quite a busy and thriving place! There will be no shortage of things to do on our day off tomorrow, though shopping is not really an option since most of us have full bags that are close to the maximum weight allowed. However, there is a Pearl Izumi outlet as well as REI. Restraint may be a challenge!
Today’s ride split fairly neatly into 4 sections. When we left Kremmling, we were on a busy road, but the shoulders were good and the scenery was beautiful, of the type we have seen since entering Colorado. A bull moose was spotted, but not by me.
About 13 miles in we turned and began to follow the shore of Green Mountain Reservoir, which was my favorite part of any ride this year. The water was such a beautiful blue color - one we don’t see in Eastern US lakes. The terrain was rolling, which I love to ride.
Green Mountain Reservoir
The next, 3rd, part was tough riding. Initially, there were no shoulders and lots of traffic. Shoulders did appear later, but the traffic was very heavy. In addition, the wind made a repeat appearance and we faced heavy head winds. The terrain was still rolling, and the mountains spectacular though so it was still a beautiful ride. Sadly, it was not easy to stop and take pictures along this part of the ride. We were in a paceline of 5 much of the time because of the head wind and it isn’t appreciated to stop for photos when the line is moving. You will have to take my word on that!
The final phase of this ride was when we got close to Dillon and we moved to a bike path. At first it was really a glorified sidewalk, but eventually it became more of what we think of when we think of a bike path. And there were the usual inhabitants: people waking dogs, joggers, bikes going in both directions and then us: a rag tag group of women looking for their hotel. Well as it turns out, this bike path has quite a unique “feature.” Switchbacks for the last half mile or so, with a mac grade over 8%!
You can't really get a sense of how high we climbed on this bike path. I had a feeling this picture wouldn't come out great, but taking it gave me a reason so stop and catch my breath!
Here is what some of it looks like as a Strava segment.
Upon arrival, we were all clear we are not riding our bikes way down there on our day off tomorrow! Walk maybe. Lyft maybe. But ride our bikes? No way!