Day 13: Into Ouray, CO

We leave Deer Creek, CO spritly early as we know we have a big day ahead of us. Yes, not a long day in the way of mileage, but a long day in terms of finding out who that person is that looks you back in the mirror. We also realize that for the first time in our trip, riding West --> Eastbound will finally haunt us and haunt us big. You see, there is about 5% of each track that seems to be really nasty stuff. Stuff that makes me so happy that I trot along on my little WR250. However, our luck is about to run out. We are approaching 3 notorious passes, and apparently all will be more formidable to ascend from the western front. Nonetheless, I find who is that person in my helmet and descend each pass as a better rider.

But first, we realize that Colorado has the same vivid colors of earth that Utah has, but it's much like someone dumped it out of the heavens instead of chiseled like Utah








Back in 2013, Blaster wanted a day off on one of our trips. I thought this meant he wanted to see the sights of Gros Morne UNESCO World Hertiage site. So, I made reservations for a ferry ride around the land locked Fjord. The only hitch with this plan was we had to hike about 1.5 miles in our riding kit to the boat launch. Needless to say, Blaster has affectionately referred to this day as "the forced road march" ever since. I think he wanted to get even with me when he wanted to very a mere 5 miles off course to summit Ophir. Not only will we summit from the hard side, why not "save" some miles and turn around and ride down the hard side too?



Ophir Summit View


We run into these blokes from Utah at least 4 times over the next 24 hours. Yes, they too summited all of the passes on those big bikes. The waft of clutch smell as they passed made me certain those bikes were more of a handful.


We fuel both bikes and humans in Telluride.


Architecturally, it's an adorable little town. It's sad that is has apparently attracted every eccentric weirdo and high-roller residents. After the last time the eccentric resident with the one of kind dog tells the story the millionth time, we have got to get out of this place. Anybody remember Steven King's Langoliers?

Waterfall into Telluride


No shortage of Aspen trees


We leg up and head out to summit Imogene Pass, from the western slope. Again, we have apparently chosen the gnarly side to ascend. Blaster had an excellent ride up, while as you can tell from the above post, I flipped and flopped my way. But the victory was earned nonetheless. Imogene from the western slope is not be trifled with. She's an angry trail and you'd best bring all your A game. The eastern slope had some ledges, but it seemed you could pick your way through and probably have an easier ride.

You aren't a coward, until you have been tested they say. Sitting about 1.5 miles short of the Imogene Pass summit, I was flat out struggling. Got off the bike and watched a few Jeeps summit.

Imogene Pass is the second highest drivable pass in Colorado. The drive is one of the most thrilling in the state.

Click to expand...

Looking forward, Looking back. I want this, but honestly, it's damn hard , steep with canteloped sized loose rock garden. The WR needs high rpms, and I can't do it. I decide to give it one more college try, before I retreat. With that, over the top we go.
What is the worst that can happen? Other than barrel roll your sled down this ravine





Imogene Summit View


I doubt mail goes here..