Today marks the end of this week’s journey. 

We leave Norwood, ride over the Dallas Divide (8,983 feet) to Ridgway, enjoy more than a dozen non-synchronized stoplights (thinking of you, Dave) in Montrose along US-550, and head for the Blue Mesa Dam – the largest Kokanee salmon and lake trout fishery in the United States.

We turn west at the dam, and ride the West Elk Loop Scenic Byway along the north rim of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison until we reach Hotchkiss, meaning we’re almost home.

Yes, today is the end of this week’s journey, but not the conclusion of my summer travels. After today, I still have four more trips, 16 more days on the road, and a bunch more blog posts waiting to bloat your inbox.

To view today’s route, click here.

Oh … where are Dan and Mark? Mark left us in Montrose; had to get a new rear tire to replace his bald one. And, Dan took the scenic route over Ohio Pass (10,065 feet) and Kebler Pass (10,007 feet) — both not paved. Dan says he enjoyed the solitude, and not having to stare at the back of Ruby, my Harley.

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