June 19, Day 19

June 19, Day 19
Gunnison to Salida, CO
Mileage: 69.49
Temperature: Very cool in the early morning and then very pleasant

Dear All,

OK, today was the day for climbing. As we said yesterday, today was up and over Monarch Pass (11,312'). The day started innocently enough. We were off at 6:30 a.m having gotten up at 5:00 a.m. Before departing we learned that a number of our group have come down with a really nasty stomach bug. So far it's knocked out one rider for three day and he'll probably be out one more. In the space of three days four others have picked up the problem and by the end of today at least one other rider has come down with the illness. We're doing the best we can to keep clear of getting the bug, but according to a Doctor who is part of the ride this type of thing can spread like wildfire. So, first and foremost even before sending good vibes and prayers to the weather gods, say a short prayer that we don't come down with it. If we do, we'll weather it the best we can.

On to today.

We started out and it was really pretty cold. The road rolled along with short climbs that one might expect in the foot hills of the Rockies. At every bend in the road we expected to see the Pass up ahead, but it kept hiding on us.

At 32 miles the climb began. The first mile was really nothing, but then the road tilted up pretty good. Overall it was about a 6% grade which is doable but given the ever increasing altitude (and thinning air) along with the length, it began to take its toll on everyone. We stopped a couple of times on the climb but each time we were overwelmed with mosquitoes so we climbed back on and kept on pedaling. With about a mile and a half to go the thinning air really began to have an impact on Amy. She was breathing like a banshee as you can guess from the photograph.
We made it.

The weather was perfect but a bit chilly at the top. Snow all around although not where we were at the top. We decided to take a gondola ride up to 12,300 feet to get an even better view and it was breathtaking. The pictures don't do it justice but we thought we'd include them anyway.

The downhill was a delight and we rolled easily into Salida which is a really cute town. To add some extra miles on our legs we rode from the motel into town and down by the river (the name of which we haven't a clue).

Overall the day was perfect. The climb was tough but the reward at the top was well worth it.

Tomorrow we'll head to Pueblo and then our second day off. We're going to leave real early tomorrow (5:30 a.m.) since we be going more than 90 miles.

Once again, please say a short prayer for our health and then if you have extra time ask the weather gods for a nice day.

As always, thanks for reading and the good vibes.

Amy and John