When I think about Colorado The Rocky Mountains is the first that comes to mind. I remember flying over them via airplane several times and seeing them as I looked out the window. The problem was I could only see snow and bits and pieces of them as the clouds blanketed the massive rock. Commercial airplanes and National Geographic wasn’t enough for me. I wanted a closer look.
My plan was to make it to Pueblo, CO by July 4th. I was about 200 miles away in Scott City, KS when I received a text from Ken who I met in Kentucky earlier on in my trip. Ken was riding from Connecticut to San Francisco, CA when his bike broke down in Pueblo, CO setting him back a few days while waiting for parts from the local shop. When I arrived in Pueblo, CO on July 3rd we met up and will continue to ride to San Francisco together. We rode around Pueblo, CO on July 4th checking out the downtown area, lots of artwork to see.
Today’s goal was to ride to the base before climbing Monarch Pass which is shy over 11,000 feet. The last time I’ve climbed serious grades where back east in Virginia’s Appalachians. We were both eager to take in on.
We found camp in the rockies ending the day of riding early to prepare for Monarch Pass the next day.
We got an early start that morning and started climbing as soon as we hit the road.
At this elevation including all the non-stop climbing with fully loaded bikes we took a couple of breaks in between.
Upon our ascent we ran into Claire who is with the Bike the US for MS group. She supplied us with water which was a huge help.
Near summit Ken asked if I wanted a photograph. This is probably the first one taken of me during this trip
I started getting excited when I saw these signs from afar.
That evening we camped at the Blue Mesa Reservoir. My camera was turned on me for a second time.
Over the next few days we were advancing toward Lizard Head which was our last pass.
This was our last campout after clearing Lizards Head mountain.
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