GDMBR 2023 Day 40
Вставка
- Опубліковано 12 вер 2024
- September 18, 2023
Distance: 81km
Ascent: 1634m
Descent: 1054m
End of day elevation: 2256m
Weather; Partly Cloudy, 11°C
Spent a lazy and longish morning in the motel before finally getting underway around 9:30 or so. Shortly after getting on the road, I had breakfast in one of the local cafe's then I was on my way south, under partly cloudy skies, to Indian Pass and beyond.
The first 20km's were along a paved road...passing many farms and ranches along the wide open plane. Stopped at the Pinos Creek to refill my water bottles as I forgot to refill when I left Del Norte...
Once I crossed the bridge, the pavement changed to gravel and the climbing began...and so it was for the next 20km's to 11,910 foot Indiana Pass; the highest point on the GDMBR. The climb to the pass was quite steep in sections, but no hike-a-bike. I stopped several times to take in the views and make wardrobe changes, as the higher I got, the more menacing the clouds looked...and along with that, the temps dropped dramatically. The precipitation began as a cold rain, but soon changed to a mixture of light snow and hail...and so it was for the last 5km's to and across the pass. To add insult to misery, when I got to the top, the wind picked up making the cold ride markedly colder....but all along, I was in awe of the magnificent, if not muted, views of the pass area. As much as I wanted to stop for the obligatory pic of me and my steed at the pass sign, I did not see one. The only thing I can think of was a gravel road to the right the went up a gradual rise to somewhere...but as I was freezing at that point and all I wanted to do is get across the pass and descend into warmer weather, I didn't check it out.
Once I started down the other side, another, unexpected challenge emerged...the road surface turned to a cold mud, and as soon as used the brakes, the bike would slide on the surface like smooth ice...if it wasn't for the rough extreme shoulder, I would have had to walk the bike until the surface dried out...
As such, I stopped at the first opportunity during the descent to put on more clothes and to scarf down some calories. It didn't take long at all afterwards for things to change, and once I got down to Summitville, the skies opened up and the sun appeared...all in a matter of a couple of kilometres or so...what a contrast!!!
I stopped again at the picnic area at Summitville to remove some clothes, have another bite and take in some of the historical information about that site...quite the environmental problem that mine was.
From Summitville on, it was cloudy with sunny breaks....and it never did rain again. The riding was easy and fast...all the way to the bottom...with some absolutely stunning views along the way. Once I crossed Iron Creek, it was right back up again to Stunner Pass...which was thankfully a much shorter climb.
From the pass, it was once again downhill...all the way into the mining town of Platoro.
Last evening in Del Norte, I called the RV campground in Platoro to check if they were still open...and they were. The proprietor said that I could stay in the shared bunkie cabin for only $12.50...what a great deal...so I took it! Once I got into town, I went straight for the campground as clouds were starting to descent into the valley and I could see rain moving in from where I came from. When I got into the office/store/restaurant, the owner greeted me and said that I could stay in the bunkie for that price, or I could have one of the cabins to myself for $25...with the caveat being that they had not re-made the beds yet from the previous renters...which was of course not a problem at all!
After settling the lodging, I noticed a couple of CDT hikers sitting in the restaurant sharing a pizza. I asked about whether they were still serving, and I was offered a pizza of my own...."absolutely" I said. I went to my cabin to get settled, then back to the restaurant for my pizza...all while the rain and begun to fall. After my pizza and lots of chatting about hiking and biking, I went back to my cabin for the night.
It was a very challenging, but rewarding day...and I felt so grateful for my good fortune in Platoro!
Again, what a joy to watch! Such a wonderful route! Thank you!
Many thanks!
Such a great job on videos & sharing. Really enjoyed
Thanks so much Steven!
Luck on the trail at the end of the day. You had some good karma in the bank.☮ Thanks for video!
You are welcome!
Yes...it worked out that way due to the generosity of the proprietor...and the time of year. I felt very grateful!
Trail angels in so many formats! A gem to encounter and it sometimes gives you tears, and definitely goosebumps!❤️
I totally agree! Looking back and thinking of all of the altruism that I was blessed with being the beneficiary of is often overwhelming...and definitely fills one with a greater hope for humanity!!
That was a very long climb with lots of elevation gain but the grade was pretty gentle and the road was in great condition. I have to admit , I expected more fanfare upon reaching the summit of the highest pass on the route.
I am loving reliving the adventure and thank you for it.
I too was expecting a tougher climb...was long, and consistent...but no throngs of fans and marching bands at the top....but the magnificent views made up for it! LOL! I thought Montana was tougher than Colorado.
Glad you're enjoying it Bobby....more to come!
Fantastic! We didn’t expect the second climb after Indiana Pass.😅😅
Thanks!
I didn't expect it either until I looked closer at the route on the map the day before!
@@reinhartbigl367 yes, based on your videos you are much more prepared for what’s next. 👍
Hi from England 🇬🇧 am hoping to start travelling the world 🌎 too.
God knows when 😅😅😅
Reinhart has done some serious trips .
@davidfoster3427 I would, too, but
I got an operation soon, as I am getting my gallbladder removed due to gallstones
Hey there from England...hope you get out there soon!
@reinhartbigl367 knowing my lick maybe next year 🤣
I hope your operation goes well and you're back to normal sooner than you think!!
"promo sm" 🍀
Thanks man! Cheers!