Day Three on RTR
Gunnison to Salida
Day three took us from Gunnison to Salida, a trip of 65 miles with one big obstacle in between. Monarch Pass, at 11, 400 feet, was the climb for the day. This major climb took place over nine miles and saw a 3000 ft gain in altitude. The grades were not quite as bad as McClure Pass on Sunday. We made the foot of the pass by 9:45, and after a short break to load up on energy bars and fruit, we set off for the top. It took us right at 2 hours to make the summit. Our average speed was between 5.5 and 4.5 mph. We found some slow people that were going our pace and rode along behind them. Good conversation helped the time to go by a little faster. Reaching the summit of Monarch Pass was a major accomplishment for both of us. It was the first major mountain pass we have climbed. We have one more pass to conquer, Independence Pass on Thursday. It is over 12,000 ft! There will be snow at the top!
After a short break, we headed back down the other side of the pass, what a hair-raising experience for both of us. The wind was blowing hard against the east side of the pass and we were buffeted all the way down. Still we hit speeds over 30 miles an hour and got to the bottom in less than 20 minutes. We arrived in Salida at 1:30. Our trip time was 7 hours. Our riding time was 5 hours and 4 minutes. We averaged 13.2 mph.
The afternoon was spent soaking in the hot spring fed pool at the Salida Rec. Center. It was a welcome respite from the time on our bikes. Our legs and our hind sides welcomed the soothing warm waters!
Tomorrow we head to Leadville. The trip will be 59 miles with a climb from 6,000 ft. to 10,500. The climbing profile shows a steady climb all the way to Leadville. We’re looking for a tailwind to help blow us up the road to Leadville!
