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…
It's that time of the year again. Telltale signs of winter's approach...
With it, comes inky black, brooding skies...
... and the sound of scrunching snow on mountain passes.
Snow + dirt = muddy riding.
Time to wrap up warm. Thankfully, frigid snow flurries...
.... have given way to crisp mornings in the sagebrush.
And pin-clear autumnal days.
Riding the Divide. When the sun shines, perfect lounging conditions abound...
... along endless ribbons of hardpack road.
Welcome back! Lovely photos, as always.
So glad you’re back where your heart is! I’m delighted of course as I know I’ll be receiving more posts SOON! Take it easy… and stay warm! Huge hug X
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 🙂
nearly… it’s on the way to Kremling, an old Wells Fargo staging post from the late 1800s.
and the last pic is a dirt road detour just shy of Kremling, where we camped the night. so many dirt roads… they are all blend into one…
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.
t’was but a trickle when we went through. now in salida – loving it!
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.
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…
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
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)
right up my street (-:
thanks!
Hi Cass,
Sean here, again (the one from Denver). I am actually riding in the same general direction – south. After 2 days in snow and mud I took the easy way out- the east side of the Divide. Royal Gorge, Great Sand Dunes, Taos. Santa Fe. I think I am ahead of you, guys, currently in Fort Garland. Got some great fall colors. Quick samples here:
https://picasaweb.google.com/vladimira1209/2011_10DenverSantaFe#slideshow
sean
lovely pictures and great looking roads! Did you ride dirt between Taos and Santa Fe? We are thinking of detouring that way.
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.
That’s a one sweet ride;) Brings back memories!!! So glad for you Cass you are back on the road;)))
Rich
yeah, feels good (-: Sometimes seems like it’s the only time when I really know where I’m going in the world!