The past two ride days have been so fun and eventful that I can't possibly summarize them in one post. We've mainly been biking along rivers or through state parks and national forests - always continuously surrounded by the mountains which I'm constantly surprised and amazed by.
So let's start with Monday - a 56-mile ride from Granby to Dillon. We had been deciding between three routes: one with two mountain passes, one with one mountain pass, and one that followed the Colorado and Blue Rivers. We ultimately decided on the route with one mountain pass - Ute Pass - and I was VERY happy with that outcome.
I was sweeping with B Mak which I was really excited about. 1) Because I haven't ridden a full day with him yet and 2) because I was exhausted from Trail Ridge Road and wanted to have a chill day in the back of the pack.
The first 15 miles of the ride were slightly downhill and partially along the Colorado River - absolutely gorgeous! Shortly after, we turned onto a state route with very little traffic that went along the Hot Sulfur State Wildlife Area. It was really pretty and showed us more of the desert side of Colorado.
It didn't last too long however, as we entered into the lush Arapaho National Forest around the halfway point of the ride, making for a very scenic lunch stop. After filling up on PB&J's we were ready to take on Ute Pass. The climb was (relatively) easy compared to Trail Ridge Road, especially since it didn't go above 10,000 feet.
One of the great things about biking over mountain passes is that you have no idea what the other side will look like until you get over the peak. We were in for quite the pleasant surprise going over Ute Pass. The climb up was definitely pretty, but the other side was unbelievably breathtaking! It contained one of the most beautiful mountain vistas we've seen so far and the descent had an open view of the mountains the whole way down. It was definitely the best descent we've had so far!
We spent the rest of the ride going along at a relaxing pace, enjoying the mountain views and even encountered some American Bison! As we approached Dillon we couldn't help being jealous of the people that lived there. They have the most incredible views of the mountains and Dillon Lake. We ended the day on the roof of our host church watching the sun go down on yet another amazing Colorado day.