The End is Near

/ ridingwithgary
All set to go, on the last trip of the summer.

Today begins our last journey of the summer. Thirteen days behind us, four ahead.

Trip Number Four packs a punch: seven Colorado Pass-a-Paloozas™ (10,000-foot+ passes) and two Fourteeners, completing the Pass-a-Palooza™ bingo card I started last summer.

Today’s ride re-traces steps we’ve already taken several times this summer, but are worth doing again: McClure Pass, and the West Elk Loop Scenic Byway along the north rim of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison.

We arrive in Gunnison, turn north, roll through the fishing village of Almont, and before long, are on the way to Cottonwood Pass (12,126 feet), the highest paved crossing of the Continental Divide. Cottonwood Pass is on my Honorable Mention list of all-time best rides.

Cottonwood Pass dumps us in Buena Vista, home for the next two nights.

To view today’s route, click here.

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

On the West Elk Loop Scenic Byway.
Overlooking the Gunnison River gorge.
Note the sun sleeves, Sarah.
Dan takes a pic for a group of adventure bikers from Texas and Arizona.
One selfie for the road, and it’s time to head for the Blue Mesa Dam.
We made it to the dam. It’s pretty low.
And a close up for good measure.
Next stop: Cottonwood Pass, the highest paved crossing of the Continental Divide.
Walter Jr enjoyed his time up there.
Seems like everybody wanted a pic of Walter Jr.
Top of the world.
Clarence put his camera down and became a poser.
Mark is a walking billboard for Harley Davidson.
Walter Jr enjoyed his pizza at Elkhorn Pizza. Carbo loading, cuz tomorrow, he’s climbing Pikes Peak!

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