We didn't beat the mud-slide. It was quite amazing. Looked like someone had emptied the world's largest cement truck across the highway. But, the highway dept. seemed well prepared and had a large frontend loader there to push it out of the way in short order. But that was certainly a cold and wet day.

Actually, I found Slumguillion to be the easiest of the passes. Fresh legs and most gradual climb. But I thought the best one was the backside of Wolf Creek once we got past the road construction. The drop at that first big switchback after the pass was awesome. But it was all great fun.

We rented a jeep out of Silverton on our day off in Durango and drove the old mining roads. I'll never again think badly of what a four-wheel drive vehicle can go up and down. Places I would have had a difficult time climbing on foot. And some of those roads top out above 13,000 feet.

But the riding was great and the eating in those caves in Creede was something else. Did you stop for the home-made pie and ice cream at that roadside shop on the last day? I ate so much I didn't think I was going to be able to haul myself over the last rise before the almost dry lake outside of Gunnison. However, I understand it is full of water again.

I plan to do again in a few years. But, we are riding in the Loire Valley this year before watching the end of the TdF and LA's sixth in a row (I hope).