Last day today. I woke up early – excited for riding the million dollar highway, and excited to be getting home. Silverton was more than cool – it was 5C (41f), which is not warm in anyones book. I got ready, and put on all my layers, then dragged my stuff down 3 floors (there were no elevators in this grand old hotel) and got myself and the bike ready to roll for our final chapter of this trip.
My pre-breakfast ride was only 23 miles – but it took almost an hour. Red Mountain pass separates Ouray from Silverton, the stretch of road is known as the Million Dollar highway. There are various postulations as to the names origin, but my favourite, which was once told to me by a local, is that locals would not drive the highway in winter, not even for a million dollars.
It was cold indeed as I wound my way up the pass. When eventually I reached a level where the sun was shining, I pulled over to the side of the road and sat warming my bones for 5 minutes before continuing on. The ride up is nice, but nothing super-special. However, the descent from the summit down into Ouray is wonderful. The twists, hairpin bends, sheer drops, vertical rock faces, steep grades and the possibility of wildlife leaping onto the road make the ride exhilarating and rewarding in equal measure. A fair portoin og he descent was bathed in sunshine, warming me up as well, so I really loved the way down.
Breakfast was not bad at all – coffee and food – and the first time I had actually stopped in Ouray itself. The cafe was cheerful, busy and had friendly staff. I ate, drank, warmed up and then went back to it.about 35 miles further north, i took an easterly direction and headed across towards the Black Canyon, the Blue Mesa dam and Gunnison. The riding was pleasant and uneventful, and at Gunnison I aimed north and then east to head up to another favourite, Cottonwood Pass.
On the ride through the forest towards the pass, I noticed some movement on the road, and quickly recognised it as a black bear. I slowed quickly to a halt, and the bear looked at me for a second before quickly climbing up the steep bank to my right. It climbed about 15 meters or so, then stopped to watch me watching it. We watched in silence for a minute or so, then I said my farewells and continued on my way.
The pass of Cottonwood is not nearly as challenging or exhilarating as the Million Dollar, but it is pleasant, and presents some lovely views. There was even a few tine bits of snow/ice remaining at the summit.
The pass deposits one into Buena Vista, which is about 90 minutes from home. I stopped for a snack lunch – unusual for me when I am on the road, as I don’t usually have any kind of lunch at all – then fueled up the bike, and blasted my way back through Sunday afternoon mountain traffic.
I arrived home to a happy wife and two very excited doggies. I accepted the OTT licking and sniffing til they calmed down, then unloaded, and went in to start reversing the process of going on a trip. Most things are packed away now, the washing is on, the bike is clean and in the garage, and I am tired and ready to sleep. Back to normal routine tomorrow.
Thanks for following the trip. My outward journey was 834 miles, the return was 1054 miles. Another wonderful trip, another time of solace and solitude, and a wonderful opportunity to experience the geological splendours and beauties of this confusing country. G’night all.