Today’s highlight, and the highlight of any riding season, is the Million Dollar Highway, Number Five on my all-time Top Ten list.

We’ll be on US Highway 550 for 80 breathtaking miles. After passing through Ouray (“America’s Switzerland”), we ride the two most terrifying miles I know: heading south toward Silverton, with a thousand foot-drop to the side of the road, and no guard rail.

If you’re reading this, I successfully navigated the sphincter-tightening stretch of road. From here, it’s exciting, but not deadly.

It’s about an hour of technical riding between Silverton and Durango. Along Highway 550, we cross Red Mountain Pass (11,018 feet), Molas Pass (10,910 feet) and Coal Bank Pass (10,640 feet) – all part of my Colorado Pass-a-Palooza™.

From Durango, we roll west on US Highway 550 to Dolores, then begin a 75-mile journey on Colorado Highway 145 that takes us over Lizard Head Pass (10,222 feet) to the outskirts of Telluride. Lizard Head Pass rates an Honorable Mention on my all-time top rides list.

Another hour, another crossing of the Dallas Divide, and we arrive back in Ridgway, where our day began. Today’s stats: Mileage, 225. 10,000-foot passes, 4. Thrills, immeasurable.

To view today’s route, click here.

And now, a few pics from today’s ride.