Ridge of the Rockies - Grand Junction to Rangely CO

We are getting into a pattern - start out with about 25 miles of flat, fast riding to the first rest stop, climb about 2,000 feet at a gentle 2% grade to the second rest stop, gear down for some serious climbing (10 miles) in the 7 - 14% grade range to lunch, then enjoy a long, fast descent and tailwind back to the motel.  We likely will not be repeating this for long, but the last couple of days have been similar.

The big climb was to Douglas Pass at 8240 feet.  Grades peaked at around 14 - 15%, which is still manageable with a low enough gear.  The many miles of 8 - 10% get to be wearing, and it is tempting to keep looking down at the bike computer and calculating how much further to lunch.

Clouds were darkening and distant thunder could be heard during lunch, so Jack and I did not dally.  We went down a steep descent with very bad pavement but managed to avoid the worst of the potholes and cracks.  Once on terrain with a moderate 1% down slope, the strong tailwind pushed us along ahead of the storm, so we only felt a few raindrops.  The temperature rose quickly into the mid 90s F when we reached the valley floor.

Rangely does not have a lot to offer in the way of restaurants, so the local Mexican place was very swamped with cyclists.  PAC Tour crew put on an ice cream social after dinner - the crew usually does this about halfway through each tour.

This is our last night in Colorado - it is on to Utah for the next segment.

Today's mileage:  91.5 miles and 4100 cumulative feet of climbing

A storm is gathering as we finish lunch.  The lunch crew did get hit by a thunderstorm but we managed to get down the pass and ahead in time to avoid it.

View from Douglas Pass

Another view from Douglas Pass

Jack climbing the final few hundred feet to the summit of Douglas Pass