Day 3: Red Mountain Pass

Found a remote place to sleep last night. Tried finding somewhere in National Forest access, but failed. Didn’t pitch a tent. Went Bobke style and just slept in back of Jeep as daylight was dwindling fast.

Prior to that, I tried to find Internet access in Ouray. Struck out. Hard to fathom. I did watch some of the Team Time Trial on Versus at the local Irish pub. Astana was just launching when I bailed out in search of a campsite.

Got up early, drove into downtown Ouray. Left around 630 AM to try and beat traffic to the top, since I was going to be riding on the right side of road next to sheer drop-offs. What a great climb! Not as steep, but scarier and more twisties. Highly recommend!

Got to top of 11,000+ ft pass. Screamed down the other side on beautiful pavement with hardly any need for braking. Hit 44 mph, being conservative. Pedaled into downtown Silverton and found the local organic coffee shop. Visited with locals, including people who were very eccentric.

Hit the road back to the top of Red Mt Pass. Not as long or steep on the south side. Met up with a new acquaintance, Brian, at top. What a coincidence. I met him on top of Slumgullion two days earlier. Small world.

Now the fun part, hurtling down hill on all those 10 and 15 mph switchbacks. Dominated the cars and RVs. Took beaucoup pix, including one that I hope shows how crazy the ascent was earlier in the day. Look at that drop-off. This descent back to Ouray is what Colorado is all about. Fantastic! If you ever have a chance to do Red Mt. Pass, you must. As the Cycling Colorado book says, this is the best pass two wheels will ever touch. Agree!!!

So far, I rate Red Mt. one for fun. Slumgullion one for solitude and steepness. Wolf’s Creek #1 for popularity. Back in Boulder now. Tomorrow, Flagstaff Mt and its 15% pitch. It humbled me a couple of years ago, but I’m back nastier than ever. Prepare to meet your maker, winner take all!