Traveling East

The last two days, I’ve been traveling behind a severe weather system, moving across Texas, Kansas, and Arkansas. I’ve had to stop early both days to not run into the danger zone. Both days I was able to use one of my camping apps to find a spot with electricity! It’s been in the high 90s for the first time during this trip But thankfully, I’ve got a nice cold air conditioning. Currently I am in Henrietta, OK. Last night the middle of nowhere, Texas. Weather looks good tomorrow, so hopefully will be able to move into Tennessee.

Pagosa Springs, Santa Fe.

After leaving Durango, I spent a few hours in Pagosa Springs, and then an overnight at Abiquiu Lake in between Pagosa and Santa Fe. I spent 2 nights in Santa Fe at Black Canyon Campgroumd where I stayed in 2012. I found Santa Fe crowded and a bit too much for me. I did get to ride Hyde Park Rd. into the National forest and up to the ski area. Tough climb!  

I left this morning headed east towards home. 

Durango, CO.

I spent the last two days in Durango at Junction Creek Campground. Yesterday I rode the Log Chutes mountain bike trails which were very rocky and steep. Not me favorite terrain. Last night I shared a meal with two brothers and their wives. One from Longmont Colorado the other from Boise. Very interesting people who have done extensive bike touring across the US. 

This morning before leaving town, I rode most of the Animas river trail that follows the Animas river through the center of downtown Durango. It really is the best way to see Durango and to get a feel for the town. Durango has a pretty cool historic downtown area and an overall outdoorsy field. Lots of mountain climbing, bike riding, river rafting and hiking. 

After leaving Durango, I went and visited Pagosa Springs is smallest town, which is notable for its natural Hot Springs.

Silverton, CO.

Saturday

I visited the Trek store in Montrose, Colorado and met Mike Bernon. Mike, his friend Earl and I met up this morning in Ouray and rode over Red Mountain Pass to Silverton. It was an awesome day rewarded with a bakery stop in Silverton and a nice big hamburger for lunch after the ride. We started at 8000 feet climbed up to 11,000 and totaled 5000 feet of elevation gain in about 50 miles. The mountains here are huge and still have a lot of snow on them.  Tonight I am tucked in on national forest land by a river in between Ouray and Silverton. 

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, CO.

I’ve never heard of this place, but saw it along my route to Durango. I figured I’d settle in here for the weekend before heading further south. The scenery is vivid and dramatic, however the only way to view this canyon is from the rim. There are no trails leading down to the river below because of the steepness of the canyon walls. There is one road that goes down with 16% grades and limited access once you reach the river. The park is at 8500 feet. This morning temps were in the mid to upper 30s!

Arches National Park, Moab, UT.

I decided while in Moab, I should visit Arches park again. I toured the park in 2012  and was feeling a nostalgic pull to go back.  Afterwards I packed up and I’m currently in Grand Junction Colorado resupplying before heading to Black Canyon of the Gunnison for the weekend. 

Cycling in Moab.

Yesterday I completed a 63 mile route up to the La Sal mountains and into the Manti La Sal forest. The ride climbed 3400 feet in the first 20 miles and changed temperature by 15 to 20°. Today I mountain bikes at Navajo rocks north of town. This was the best mountain bike trail I have ever ridden. The terrain was perfect difficulty for me and the trails and intersections were all clearly marked. Way to go Moab.