Divide and conquer: Colorado once more

This is just a brief update to announce, with little fanfare but much delight, my return to the road. It feels good to be back.

The journey thus far has taken many unexpected twists and turns. Although my aim is to head back to Ecuador and continue where I left off back in July, as a prelude to Latin America, I’ve flown into Denver, USA. My plan: to cross the state of Colorado, the soul of the Rocky Mountains. Thwarted by the onset of winter, I reluctantly missed this rugged piece of the Great Divide Mountain Bike Ride on my original journey south from Alaska. This time I’m a little earlier, but not as much as I’d have liked – the first of the winter storms are already barrelling in, so we’ll see how the next couple of weeks fare.

Right now, I’m lucky enough to be enjoying the company of Nancy and Nicolas. More on them, and this beautiful, mountainous region, coming soon…

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It's that time of the year again. Telltale signs of winter's approach...

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With it, comes inky black, brooding skies...

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... and the sound of scrunching snow on mountain passes.

Snow + dirt = muddy riding.

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Time to wrap up warm. Thankfully, frigid snow flurries...

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.... have given way to crisp mornings in the sagebrush.

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And pin-clear autumnal days.

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Riding the Divide. When the sun shines, perfect lounging conditions abound...

... along endless ribbons of hardpack road.

17 thoughts on “Divide and conquer: Colorado once more

  1. gyatsola

    Great you are back on the road!

    Is that last picture from Wyoming? Reminds me of the long stretch before Pinedale. The second last one too, I think I remember that building is an old stagecoach stop? Or the station at Boreas Pass? Its all bringing back so many memories, although I’m glad it wasn’t as cold for me 🙂

    Reply
      1. gyatsola

        Ah yes, I know that stretch now. I remember the stream crossing just after the Wells Fargo staging post – the map said it was easily fordable in the autumn, but it wasn’t… a beaver had made his dam just down from the crossing, turning it into a pond… the result was very cold feet.

        Reply
      2. gyatsola

        Oh, Salida is great. I’m sure you’ve found all the good contacts already, but a guy called Scot who is chief mech in Absolute Bikes is a great guy, very helpful. Amicas pizza on E2nd Street is great, and I can’t remember the name, but there is a bar beside The Vic on E Sackett Street where a lot of the guys (in front and behind the bar) were involved in building the mountain bike routes in the area. And remember to be very very nice to the town librarians to get more internet time, they are a pretty grumpy bunch in there! If you want to know local history in the town there there is an odd little town Museum on Rainbow – its chaotic, but the guy who runs it is a mine of interesting stories and information about the town.

        Reply
  2. Neil Pike

    Great to see you’re back on the road (though sorry that the UK has lost you again for a while!). Enjoy the Rockies – looks like you’ll be needing some good warm gear pretty soon…

    Reply
  3. Douglas Toy

    Hey there,

    I’ve been reading your blog for a long time now after being introduced to it by Colin “teacake” Baird. Great to hear you are back on the road – all the best with your ride!

    Douglas – London

    Reply
  4. andrew

    Glad to see you’re back on the road.

    when you get to Peru, check out the road from Chachapoyas to Celendin…i get the feeling you might enjoy it!

    http://smu.gs/of0rVx

    (one day i will learn to hit the right keys on the keypad)

    Reply
      1. Sean Janson

        No, mostly asphalt. Went from Taos, via hwy 518 to Picuris Pueblo (closed). Then to Truchas, where I was shot at by target practicing locals (on public lands). Told to go back home if I wanted to stay safe. Then crossed to Los Alamos area. Don’t go there, half of the area is closed to public by DOE (atomic research thing), the second half is closed due to fire. Even the dirt roads are closed there. I’m spending 2 days in Santa Fe and heading home to Denver.

        Reply

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