Day 32, Gunnison to Sargents: About Time We Had An Easy Day

August 23, 2017

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Mileage Today; 31 Total So Far; 1,463 Remaining; 137

Climbing Today; 1,462 Total So Far; 85,689 Remaining; 8,157

Max Grade Today; 8.9% Average Uphill Grade; 1.5%

Average Speed While Riding; 10.8 mph

Mechanical Issues; None

Photos Credit; Bud, unless noted otherwise

****

Bud speaking;

We have a short and easy day today, as the goal is to just reach the base of the climb to Monarch Pass. Since we are only rolling for 31 miles and an uphill component of 1,400 feet, we decided to sleep late and enjoy the breakfast at the Holiday Inn Express. After stuffing ourselves with everything from cereal to cinnamon rolls to eggs and yogurt and juice and coffee, we finally rolled out about 7:00 am. So sue us for a late start, it is what it is.

The morning was forecast to be 44 degrees, and with a light wind it felt rather chilly. With raincoats and long-fingered gloves on for warmth, we rolled out of Gunnison and headed east on Highway 50. This day was relatively flat with only a slight uphill grade on average and occasional small hills along the way; it was easy to average more than 10 mph most of the time. Here’s a bit of the scenery along the way;

And here’s today’s pic of an old structure;

Old Structures; I Wonder What Tales They Could Tell?

Sis and Doc were dressed for very cold temperatures, and stopped shortly after we left to remove some clothing layers. I continued on towards Parlin, where the ACA map showed a convenience store. I thought I would just relax and have some coffee while they caught up, but the store was closed. With only 20 easy miles left, I just moseyed on down the road knowing they would soon catch up. Today we are following Tomichi Creek upstream, so here’s a few shots of the stream;

We Followed Tomichi Creek Upstream From Gunnison

Tomichi Creek Is A Major Water Source (Photo Credit: Doc)

View Along Tomichi Creek (Photo Credit: Doc)

Off in the distance I can see the mountains we will cross tomorrow, and there is snow up towards the pass!

Snow Ahead - Maybe We'll Find Some Tomorrow At The Pass?

With just a wee bit more effort, I arrived at Tomichi Creek Trading Post at 11:00 am. In the picture below, our “cottage” is the small building on the left that looks like a storage shed.

Tomichi Creek Trading Post; See The Storage Building On The Left? That's Our Home Tonight

Here’s a couple of shots of our home for the night;

From The Outside It Looks Like A Storage Shed

Fortunately, the inside doesn’t look like a storage shed;

Inside View; Bed, Full Bath, and Stairs to Loft

View From The Loft; It's A Nicely Finished Storage Shed

Really, the place is quite nice for a trio of cycle tourists. I gave Sis and Doc the downstairs bed and I took the loft. It’s a little tight for me, but as long as I don’t raise my head quickly during the night and bump the ceiling I will be fine. We enjoyed a sandwich at the restaurant for lunch, then I returned to the cottage to work on this journal. Because you want to know, right?

We met 2 couples in the bar/restaurant who rolled up on loaded mountain bikes, obviously on tour. Ed and Monica, and Tracy and Karen, are riding the Great Divide route. They started in Banff, and will finish in Mexico. Ed (from the U.K.) and Monica (from Seattle) met on the trail and decided to ride together. Ed was originally riding with 2 other guys from the U.K., but left them to ride with Monica; I assured him that he had made the correct decision. We met Tracy and Karen from Indiana while lounging in the bar (the only place where the wifi works). They rode up on loaded mountain bikes, obviously touring, and will camp near the creek tonight. We had a good conversation with them while they ate, and then we met Ed and Monica who also rode up on loaded mountain bikes and are also riding the Great Divide mountain bike route.

Tracy & Karen From Indiana Are Riding The Great Divide Route

We enjoyed talking with Ed and Monica and Doc was interested in how their bikes were set up because he wants to do some similar off-road riding.

Tomorrow is a major milestone day – no, it’s THE major milestone day of the entire journey. We started at sea level in California, and tomorrow we will climb to our highest elevation of the trip when we reach the summit of Monarch Pass. IF we reach the summit, that is – as you know by now, there are many things that can go wrong. Good night all, I need a nap…

Today's ride: 31 miles (50 km)
Total: 1,462 miles (2,353 km)

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