jppe

Five down and 1 to go! Another gorgeous route of 91 miles today to Alamosa. We climbed up to almost 11,000 ft doing Wolf Creek pass. It was 5-6 per cent grades the first 8 miles and then averaged 8 per cent to the peak at 24 miles.

I loaded up on the hot cakes and sausage again at the first rest stop. They were even better today. I hope they are there again tomorrow!

My legs were really feeling the week and I did the climbs just fine but definitely used an easier gear than the start of the week. Mid ways up the climb a tractor trailer had overturned on its side in a switchback but the driver is ok. Free Pepsis for all falling out the back of the trailer!

Beautiful scenery on the way up and back down-post card type stuff. I was able to take lots of photos on the bike.

The descent was another really fast one for at least 10 miles. In fact I hit 55 mph on one stretch. We had to slow down for a couple tunnels plus you had to be really careful with so many riders on the road. Most were trying to keep it under 30 mph so closing speeds were an issue.

The remaining miles were fairly flat but unfortunately we got into some really serious crosswinds for at least 50 miles. I was able to hook up with several groups which helped some. We even got into a double pace line for a 15 mile stretch which they discourage but it was obvious all the riders in our group were comfortable and experienced riders.

I'm very gassed tonight. Not only are the miles and days piling on it was warmer today and I probably did not eat enough. I also did not sleep well last night as the temps got down to 28 degrees and there was frost on my bike this am! I was so cold I abandoned my tent at 3 am and went inside the school and laid down in a hallway for 2 hours. I had on layers of clothes but it didn't help enough.

I joined up with a couple guys from Iowa for supper at True Grit (steakhouse full of John Wayne stuff)and we had a wonderful time trading stories. Everyone-riders and locals- being overly friendly is just another terrific attribute of this event.

Signing off to get some sleep!

billydonn

No round of golf after the day's ride? Tsk, tsk.....

Beverly

I'm looking forward to the pictures

I hope you took your winter riding gear for those temps!

TaosWoman

Way to Go! Having lived in Pagosa for 5 Winters I know about the picture postcard views and It's not uncommon for a big rig to lose it on Wolf Creek pass. My husband is curious what kind of gearing you used on the pass. Thanks for the great descriptions of this event.

jbman100

Great job on the pass. I have driven that pass several times in all sorts of vehicles including my motorcycle. I can't imagine climbing that thing on a bike.

colorado dale

wolf creek pass by c w mccall

https://s0.ilike.com/play#C.W.+McCall...73abc940e4c554


frm song "a 37 mile hell of a hill"

cyclinfool

Now I know who route the song for that 1978 movie "Convoy" - his style didn't change one bit. Cute song, not what I'd sing climbing a long steep grade though.

My favorite song for climbing:https://www.last.fm/music/The+Allman+.../Whipping+Post

colorado dale

here's a decent video of wolf creek pass with the song wolf creek pass playing

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KHb_0Lhegig