The ÷ Ride

The ÷ Ride
Stage IV
Summer 2000

Notes:

1) Because of the kind of terrain (e.g., high mountain passes), the total trip mileage will be less this year;

2) It is much harder riding than we have done previously, and therefore the daily mileages will be less;

3) I've planned for 3 rest days...a single day in Salida, CO, and then two days in Del Norte, CO (and then the following day we climb Indiana Pass at 11,000+ft.) This will allow for limited sight-seeing and energy recuperation prior to the day of Indiana Pass. :-)

4) I tried to figure out a two-week bail out. It may be difficult to do, but not impossible, from Del Norte.

5) The only obvious end point this year is Albuquerque. I have mapped the route with that in mind. I did considerable trail research last weekend while I was there, and it was useful. I changed the last day or two of the trip based on what I discovered.

6) There is a day or so at the end to visit Santa Fe (state capitol) and possibly Taos. Both neat towns!

7) I've also plotted out next year's route, which is much flatter, and will allow for more miles/day than this coming year. Our challenge next year will be to get to the actual start of the ride out of ABQ, and leaving Antelope Wells so that we can get to an airport (El Paso???). (Pedal to El Paso?)

8) Because of summer monsoon rains in NM, and what that does to the roads, AND because most of you seemed to prefer July 10th as a start date (our usual Monday in July), I'll plot things using that day. Sunday July 30th or Monday July 31 would be good departure dates from ABQ. Also, because we are starting in "earlier July" rather than "later," I suppose we could have some snow problems at the north end of the route in Colorado. We should be prepared for that.

(There is much work to be done with the itinerary. I just wanted to get it up so that you know that I am working on it. :-)) )

You might want to read this: http://www.adv-cycling.org/GDMBR/GDMBR_Part5.HTM

June 27th: All comments with (MM) attached to them are from Mac McCoy's new book "Cycling the Great Divide."

Possible/Probable DR Riders, Y2K:

T-Shirt Logo, 2000

Denver Motel: (Comfort Inn Airport; 16921 E. 32nd Avenue; phone: 303.367.5000)

Day

To / From

Miles

~Alt. Gain

Camping

Services

Comments

0

Sat/Sun

7/8 & 7/9

Frisco, CO

-

-

Sky-Vue Motel
305 S. 2nd Ave.
Frisco, CO 80443
800-672-3311
970-668-3311

Heated indoor pool; all rooms on ground floor.

Reservations for 8 rooms (two beds/room) are confirmed for July 8th & 9th. Rooms are in the name of "Divide Ride Dogs." We each need to guarantee our own room by June 7th. Current price is $63/night (probably...they don't have the books for July ready yet...don't call until April).

All.

Many bike shops in town.

Amazing shopping experience available at Silverthorne outlet malls, a few miles downhill from Frisco. :-)

1

Mon.

7/10

Frisco -> Breckenridge -> Como

30.6

~3,000'

-

Lunch in Breckenridge? Much to do in Breck. Many restaurants. Popular ski area. "In summer, ski mountains are transformed into thrill rides." Super Slide and Amaze'n Breckenridege (Colorado's largest human maze).
"Beware of getting splashed with cappuccino" in Breckenridge. (MM)

(Como)
Grocery open 9:30-4:30. Extremely limited food. "Buy food in Brekenridge - enough to get us to Hartzel!" (MM)

(Restaurant and B&B are closed on Tuesday and Wednesday.)

"It's arid country...be sure to stock up on water before leaving Como." (MM)

Bike Trail, Frisco to Breckenridge: 9.5 miles, rated "easy" in the "Summit Country Bike Trail Guide." They say, "One of the heaviest used sections in the Summit Cty. bike trail system. Anticipate large numbers of bikes & inline skaters.

Bike Trail, Boreas Pass, 12.5 mi. rated "easy" (as above). "Dirt road. Well-maintained and gradual, this road is excellent for novices. If the gate is closed, then the trail is still snowy and wet and must be avoided bycyclists. Can have heavy traffic on weekends [shouldn't be a problem for us]. Be prepared for changing weather as the Pass is above the timberline. The ride follows an abandoned r.r. grade, originally the route of the Denver, South Park and Pacific RR. Fairly smooth dirt road climbs graduallythrough beautiful aspen groves, making it a superb ball ride. Pass Baker's Tank which stored water for r.r. use at 3 miles (there is a Baker's Tank Look Ride also...(5.5 mi; "moderate" difficulty; 1-2 hrs.; dirt road and trail). Continue climb along flank of Bald Mt. At the pass, you'll have incredible views from the Divide. Perched near the road is the recently restored Boreas Pass sectionhouse. The road continues another 11 miles down to the vast expanse of South Park and the small down of Como."

Boreas Pass Road: "Scenic unpaved alternative to the highway, a wide and well-maintained gravel road that follows an old narrow gauge r.r. route as it gradually climbs above the timberline to cross the ÷. Remains of old ranches and r.r. buildings dot the landscape on this spectacular drive, which brings you out at the ghost town of Como." [Hidden Colorado]

Boreas Pass:÷Crossing #15 (for trip) on first day, the highest divide crossing on the route. Take your aspirin before coming to altitude (if you follow this regime), come a couple of days early if possible for altitude acclimation. We begin pedaling at 9,500' and immediately climb to 11,500' today. We descend to 10,500 at Como so that we can "sleep low." (It's all relative!)

Como named for Lake Como in Italy. "Striking old rock roundhouse in Como." (ACA map commentary.)

2

Tues. 7/11

Como -> Hartsel

30.3

400'

-

(Hartsel) Groceries:
South Fork Mercantile: 6am-6:30pm M-Th; 6am-8pm F-Sa. Closed Sunday.
Badger Basin Country Store.

(From the web)
Chaparral Park General Store
19015 County Rd 59
Hartsel, CO 80449
(719) 836-0308

A day of descending.

Hartsel:
Bayou Salado Trading Post - from their website" We are an Espresso & Ice Cream Bar and Gift Gallery located about an hour and half west from the airport at Colorado Springs (Hartsel). Whether your interest is "Computer Angels" made from parts of discarded computers, or interesting pottery, or Navajo/Zuni jewelry, or a custom made elkskin vest, we have it all. This is the best and most convenient "pit stop" for folk travelling from Colorado Springs to the mountains. Hand lotion in he restroom, no less!

There seems to be a lot of rocketry info on the web associated with Hartsel.

3

Wed. 7/12

Hartsel -> Everett Cow Camp Shacks (?) or at Mile 104.1

30.6 or a couple more.

~2,100'

Free-style camping

-

-

4

Thur, 7/13

Cow Camp -> Salida (Name means "exit" - it was the exit from the valley for mines in the Leadville area.)

17

~400'

Riverside Lodge Motel and Family Campground.

Many motels in Salida.

Heart of the Rockies c.g. (pvt) in Poncha Springs, 5 miles down the route from Salida. AAA campground Laundry, pool, limited groceries.

Numerous other camping areas "in" Poncha Springs.

"River Run Inn used to be the country poor farm where indigents were sent to work for room/board. Now is a hostel/B&B with 13 bed dorm on top floor and 7 individual guest rooms. 8495 County Road 160. Salida. 719-539-3818; 800-385-6925." [Hidden Colorado]

All services.

Country Bounty Rest: "Huge portions of home cooking. Family style restaurant has varied menu ranging from fresh Ark. R. trout to Mexican food to homemade soups, etc. Ambience more like a gift shop than restaurnt with country crafts, Indian jewelry and curios." 423 W. Rainbow Blvd.

Laughing Ladies Cafe: Intern'l specialties; vegetarian entrees, thick steaks w/ butter-garlic sauce, fresh bakery goods, brew pub beers. (This is a Dog's Place!!) 128 W. 1st St.

Windmill Rest: Tex-Mex, steak, seafood. Decor is the attraction with extensive collection of old-time advertising memorabilia. [Hidden Colorado]

Mostly downhill.

Watch for the "14-ers," of the Sawatch Range...peaks jutting up more than 14,000'

Salida: "An arresting town that reatures oe of the most extensive historic districts in Colorado." (ACA map commentary.)
Due to warm summers/mild winters, it considered in the "banana belt" of CO.
Salida "is on it's way to becoming the art capitol of Colorado."

"Voted 'favorite town of the DR.'" (MM)

Good area for rockhounds. (Aquamarine, topaz, quartz, garnet, sapphire, tourquoise).

Salida Museum: adjoins CofC building.

Jeep tours: various length jeep tours into the CO gold country. Rafting and horseback trail rides also available. (719) 539-2962.

Whitewater rafting. Arkansas R. Arkansas R. swells to floodstage in mid-June, with accompanying kayak challenges. "One of the top white water rafting areas in Colorado." (More people go rafting here than any other river in America.) (MM recommends doing a raft trip.)

Hot springs pool. Open 1-9p.m. Adults, $5. 410 W. Rainbow Blvd.

5

Fri. 7/14

Day Off

-

-

-

-

-

6

Sat. 7/15

Salida -> Poncha Springs -> near Marshall Pass

19

3,000'

-

"Stock your larder before leaving Salida because its many days and 153 miles to Del Norte, the next town of any size." (MM)

"Roads leading into Del Norte are really primitive, in some places not much more than a sandy track through a wash in the desert - there are higher-grade road alternative if you want them. [Posted to the touring list by AWunder@aol.com]

Alt. Route (on map) for Melissa/Tom? :-) "very rocky road to climb 3,000' in 7 miles...Regain main route at Marshall Pass."

Marshall Pass, 10,842': Crossing #16.

Opportunity to mt. bike Monarch Pass either this afternoon or tomorrow morning. (See ACA map comments about Monarch Pass.)

Monarch Crest Tram: Tram ascends to 12,000' for views of Rockies/Pikes Peak.

7

Sun. 7/16

Marshall Pass -> Sargents -> Monarch Valley Ranch

27.1

600'

Call Monarch Valley Ranch about camping there.
Surface water generally available.(MM)

EXTREMELY limited services in Sargents.

-

8

Mon. 7/17

Monarch Valley Ranch -> Moss Lake (?)

28

1,800'

Free-style camping.
Surface water generally available.(MM)

-

-

9

Tues. 7/18

Moss Lake -> Luders Creek c.g.

16.5

1,600'

Surface water generally available.(MM)

-

Cochetopa Pass, 10,032': Crossing #17.

10

Wed. 7/19

Luders Creek c.g. -> Storm King c.g.

29.7

2,800'

"Stream water is generally accessible during most of the day." (MM)

-

"Bike trails found in the vicinities of both Luders Ck. c.g. and Storm King c.g." (MM)
Side trip to Saguache? (34 mi. r.t.) "One of the niftiest little community museums in Colorado."(MM)

11

Thur. 7/20

Storm King c.g. -> El Garita (off route) -> Del Norte

32.2

600

(From the web)
Campgrounds/RV Parks: Woods and River RV Park
25 Alder Street
Del Norte, CO 81132
719-657-2820

Camping is allowed in the City Park. Check with Police Dept. (See ACA map verbiage.)

La Garita Creek Ranch 38145 County Road E-39 Del Norte, Colorado 81132 VOICE- 719-754-2533
(A place to check out for possible meal or ??)

Del Norte:
There is a laundromat and supermarket across the street from the El Rancho Motel. (which is at 1120 Grand Ave.)

There is a restaurant/cafe at the Del Norte Motel & Cafe
1050 Grand Ave.

Museum, dining, lodging, shopping.

(Gary B's frriend) "I have friends in Del Norte; David Off is a MTB rider and his family owns a ranch there. He is very knowledgeable about the area and current conditions. 719 657-3844 davidaoff@hotmail.com Tell him hi for me, we went to Peru together."

La Garita: 2 mi. off route. Limited services; closed Mondays. AAA map indicates camping here also."...miniscule village ...mercantile... Spanish style church...It's worth pedaling the extra miles just to capture the scene in your mind and/or on film." (MM)

Del Norte Rio Grande County Museum: 580 Oak Street.

If you need to leave, this is probably the best place to jump ship and try to arrange transportation to Colorado Springs or Denver. Getting out anywhere will be difficult, but Del Norte is a tourist route west to Durango and east to I-25 (north to Pueblo and Colo. Springs; south to Albuquerque). So far, I haven't found any information about buses to Denver, etc. However, Alamosa ("relatively close by) has United Express air service.

(Alamosa is noted for year 'round notoriously awful weather. Numbingly cold in the winter, windy the whole year.)

12

Fri. 7/21

Day Off.

-

-

-

-

-

13

Sat. 7/22

Day Off.

-

-

-

-

-

14

Sun. 7/23

Del Norte -> Indiana Pass -> Summitville c.g.

OR

Stunner c.g.

33

42.5

4,500

?

-

"Next few days are tricky in terms of finding things to eat. Stock up in Del Norte and begin to think like a backpacker." (MM)

THE WATER IN SUMMITVILLE IS NON-POTABLE. THIS IS A SUPERFUND SITE. We may want to rethink our "camping" and camp at Stunner c.g.

"Stock up on water in Del Norte to last til Stunner Pass." (MM)

(See map commentary about early a.m. start out of Del Norte.) "Best ridden on weekend to avoid weekday logging traffic."

Approximately 4,000' altitude gain in 24 miles.

Indiana Pass, 11,910' is the highest pass on the whole Divide route! Yee-haw!!

Revise route to easier east or west roads if necessary.

15

Mon. 7/24

Summitville c.g. or Stunner c.g. -> Platero -> Mile 23.0

BASED ON (MM), WE MAY WANT TO MODIFY OUR DAILY ROUTES TO COINCIDE WITH SOME OF HIS.

38.5

2,000

Camping at motel at mile 23?

Numerous camping sites between miles 16-23.

Lunch/groceries in Platero.

Cafe/groceries/motel at Mile 23.0 (See ACA map Service Info)

16

Tues. 7/25

Mile 23 -> Mile 52.2 c.g.

30

3,000'

"Stream water is abundant." (MM)

-

Cumbres & Toltec Scenic R.R.: "The 64 mi. Antonito<->Chama trip is America's longest and highest narrow-gauge steam train route still operating. Climbs by swooping loops through forests of aspen up to Osier, a mt. ghost town that is inaccessible by car."

17

Wed. 7/26

Mile 52.2 -> Hopewell Lake

35.1

1,000'

"Hopewell Lake is a pleasant pack-it-in/out campground." (MM)

Something to consider: Sent to me by Gary on the touring list, who lives in Albuquerque:

"One more option, and it goes through the prettiest parts of the state IMO.

From Tierra Amarilla go east on US 64 through Tres Piedras, across the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge and stay in Taos.

Then go So. on NM 68 to Ranchos De Taos and turn So on NM 518 to NM 75, W to NM 76, then So through Penasco, Trampas, Truchas and at Chimayo turn So on NM 520 to Nambe and hit US 285 at Pojaque.
This is called the "High Road" to/from Taos. It is incredibly beautiful, as is 64 between Tierra Amarilla and Tres Piedras. The little Spanish towns along it are like a trip back in time. Traffic is not too bad through here, no shoulder though. From Pojoaque you are not far from Sante Fe (I am guessing 15 miles) and you can go through Tesuque on NM 590 and miss part of 285 into Santa Fe.

I realise this is not the GD route, but if you want to ride to Taos and Sante Fe this is the way I would go. Let me know what you think."

"Roads on the route in northern New Mexico were generally terrible - deep ruts, huge rocks, little or no grading and upkeep. Water was scarce." [Posted to the touring list by AWunder@aol.com]

Based on what we decide to do, we may make a major modification in our route based on the information in the column to the left.

From Santa Fe there is the Turquoise Trail on scenic back roads which takes you to Albuquerque.

18

Thur. 7/27

Hopewell Lake -> El Rito

40.2

~1,300'

"Frequently surface water." (MM)

ACA seems to think that there are "services" in El Rito. When I was here (early December) there was extremely(!) little. Perhaps things perk up in the summer. We need to be prepared to find not much of anything available to us except a gas station.

-

19

Fri. 7/28

El Rito -> Left on Hwy 84 -> Espanola -> Santa Fe

~53

500'

-

Depending on weather (NM summer rainy season begins soon), May/June (possible) fire damage to the area, our weary bodies, etc. etc etc. we may choose to follow the DR route to Cuba, NM, veer east tonm the highway (good road!) to ABQ, and then rent four-wheeled transport vehicles to explore Santa Fe/Taos.

Mostly flat on pretty good roads. Rte. 554 from El Rito to the main hwy. juncion (84) goes through Carson National Forest ("forest" is relative...) Spectacular rock formations on your right, views on your left. Two lane road, no shoulders.

The road from Espanola to Santa Fe is very busy and looked rather unsuitable for cycling (narrow-to-no-shoulder on a major highway). I will be in touch with bike clubs to see what they might recommend for a route into Santa Fe from where we are. We may have to alter our route and come in from the North along "real roads."

20

Sat. 7/29

Santa Fe

-

-

-

-

-

21

Sun. 7/30

Albuquerque

-50 miles

-

-

"You can reach me at 505 254-3519 or cell 505 269-4106." (Gary B.'s contact info.)

Shuttle? Pedal? More information to be collected.

The state of New Mexico is currently experiencing extreme fire-danger conditions. Road closures in National Forests throughout the state are directly affecting the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route. Closures may change depending on weather conditions.For information on fire restrictions in New Mexico, call toll-free:

1-877-864-6985

This number will provide information on fire restrictions on public lands in the Southwest, including national parks, national monuments, national historical parks, national forests, national wildlife refuges, state parks, and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers recreation sites. For information on the statewide fire situation New Mexico, call the Fire Information Desk in the Southwest Coordination Center in Albuquerque, New Mexico, at 505-842-3473. Or, access the "Fire Information" page on the Southwest Area Website at http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/fire. For more localized information you can call the individual National Forests for updated reports:

Carson National Forest 505-758-6200
Sante Fe National Forest 505-988-6940
Cibola National Forest 505-388-8201
Gila National Forest 505-388-8201

Bold = City (or food option)
Bold/Italic - Item of interest
Updated: July 1, 2000

Day	To / From	Miles	~Alt. Gain	Camping	Services	Comments
0 Sat/Sun 7/8 & 7/9	Frisco, CO	-	-	Sky-Vue Motel 305 S. 2nd Ave. Frisco, CO 80443 800-672-3311 970-668-3311 Heated indoor pool; all rooms on ground floor. Reservations for 8 rooms (two beds/room) are confirmed for July 8th & 9th. Rooms are in the name of "Divide Ride Dogs." We each need to guarantee our own room by June 7th. Current price is $63/night (probably...they don't have the books for July ready yet...don't call until April).	All. Many bike shops in town.	Amazing shopping experience available at Silverthorne outlet malls, a few miles downhill from Frisco. :-)
1 Mon. 7/10	Frisco -> Breckenridge -> Como	30.6	~3,000'	-	Lunch in Breckenridge? Much to do in Breck. Many restaurants. Popular ski area. "In summer, ski mountains are transformed into thrill rides." *Super Slide* and *Amaze'n Breckenridege* (Colorado's largest human maze). "Beware of getting splashed with cappuccino" in Breckenridge. (MM) (Como) Grocery open 9:30-4:30. Extremely limited food. "Buy food in Brekenridge - enough to get us to Hartzel!" (MM) (Restaurant and B&B are closed on Tuesday and Wednesday.) "It's arid country...be sure to stock up on water before leaving Como." (MM)	Bike Trail, Frisco to Breckenridge: 9.5 miles, rated "easy" in the "Summit Country Bike Trail Guide." They say, "One of the heaviest used sections in the Summit Cty. bike trail system. Anticipate large numbers of bikes & inline skaters. Bike Trail, Boreas Pass, 12.5 mi. rated "easy" (as above). "Dirt road. Well-maintained and gradual, this road is excellent for novices. If the gate is closed, then the trail is still snowy and wet and must be avoided bycyclists. Can have heavy traffic on weekends [shouldn't be a problem for us]. Be prepared for changing weather as the Pass is above the timberline. The ride follows an abandoned r.r. grade, originally the route of the Denver, South Park and Pacific RR. Fairly smooth dirt road climbs graduallythrough beautiful aspen groves, making it a superb ball ride. Pass Baker's Tank which stored water for r.r. use at 3 miles (there is a Baker's Tank Look Ride also...(5.5 mi; "moderate" difficulty; 1-2 hrs.; dirt road and trail). Continue climb along flank of Bald Mt. At the pass, you'll have incredible views from the Divide. Perched near the road is the recently restored Boreas Pass sectionhouse. The road continues another 11 miles down to the vast expanse of South Park and the small down of Como." *Boreas Pass Road:* "Scenic unpaved alternative to the highway, a wide and well-maintained gravel road that follows an old narrow gauge r.r. route as it gradually climbs above the timberline to cross the ÷. Remains of old ranches and r.r. buildings dot the landscape on this spectacular drive, which brings you out at the ghost town of Como." [Hidden Colorado] *Boreas Pass:÷Crossing #15 (for trip) on first day, the highest divide crossing on the route. Take your aspirin before coming to altitude (if you follow this regime), come a couple of days early if possible for altitude acclimation. We begin pedaling at 9,500' and immediately climb to 11,500' today. We descend to 10,500 at Como so that we can "sleep low." (It's all relative!) Como* named for Lake Como in Italy. "Striking old rock roundhouse in Como." (ACA map commentary.)
2 Tues. 7/11	Como -> Hartsel	30.3	400'	-	(Hartsel) Groceries: South Fork Mercantile: 6am-6:30pm M-Th; 6am-8pm F-Sa. Closed Sunday. Badger Basin Country Store. (From the web) Chaparral Park General Store 19015 County Rd 59 Hartsel, CO 80449 (719) 836-0308	A day of descending. Hartsel: Bayou Salado Trading Post - from their website" We are an Espresso & Ice Cream Bar and Gift Gallery located about an hour and half west from the airport at Colorado Springs (Hartsel). Whether your interest is "Computer Angels" made from parts of discarded computers, or interesting pottery, or Navajo/Zuni jewelry, or a custom made elkskin vest, we have it all. This is the best and most convenient "pit stop" for folk travelling from Colorado Springs to the mountains. Hand lotion in he restroom, no less! There seems to be a lot of rocketry info on the web associated with Hartsel.
3 Wed. 7/12	Hartsel -> Everett Cow Camp Shacks (?) or at Mile 104.1	30.6 or a couple more.	~2,100'	Free-style camping	-	-
4 Thur, 7/13	Cow Camp -> Salida (Name means "exit" - it was the exit from the valley for mines in the Leadville area.)	17	~400'	Riverside Lodge Motel and Family Campground. Many motels in Salida. Heart of the Rockies c.g. (pvt) in Poncha Springs, 5 miles down the route from Salida. AAA campground Laundry, pool, limited groceries. Numerous other camping areas "in" Poncha Springs. "River Run Inn used to be the country poor farm where indigents were sent to work for room/board. Now is a hostel/B&B with 13 bed dorm on top floor and 7 individual guest rooms. 8495 County Road 160. Salida. 719-539-3818; 800-385-6925." [Hidden Colorado]	All services. Country Bounty Rest: "Huge portions of home cooking. Family style restaurant has varied menu ranging from fresh Ark. R. trout to Mexican food to homemade soups, etc. Ambience more like a gift shop than restaurnt with country crafts, Indian jewelry and curios." 423 W. Rainbow Blvd. Laughing Ladies Cafe: Intern'l specialties; vegetarian entrees, thick steaks w/ butter-garlic sauce, fresh bakery goods, *brew pub beers. (This is a Dog's Place!!) 128 W. 1st St. Windmill Rest:* Tex-Mex, steak, seafood. Decor is the attraction with extensive collection of old-time advertising memorabilia. [Hidden Colorado]	Mostly downhill. Watch for the "14-ers," of the Sawatch Range...peaks jutting up more than 14,000' Salida: "An arresting town that reatures oe of the most extensive historic districts in Colorado." (ACA map commentary.) Due to warm summers/mild winters, it considered in the "banana belt" of CO. Salida "is on it's way to becoming the art capitol of Colorado." "Voted 'favorite town of the DR.'" (MM) *Good area for rockhounds.* (Aquamarine, topaz, quartz, garnet, sapphire, tourquoise). *Salida Museum: adjoins CofC building. Jeep tours: various length jeep tours into the CO gold country. Rafting and horseback trail rides also available. (719) 539-2962. Whitewater rafting. Arkansas R. Arkansas R. swells to floodstage in mid-June, with accompanying kayak challenges. "One of the top white water rafting areas in Colorado." (More people go rafting here than any other river in America.) (MM recommends doing a raft trip.) Hot springs pool*. Open 1-9p.m. Adults, $5. 410 W. Rainbow Blvd.
5 Fri. 7/14	Day Off	-	-	-	-	-
6 Sat. 7/15	Salida -> Poncha Springs -> near Marshall Pass	19	3,000'	-	"Stock your larder before leaving Salida because its many days and 153 miles to Del Norte, the next town of any size." (MM)	"Roads leading into Del Norte are really primitive, in some places not much more than a sandy track through a wash in the desert - there are higher-grade road alternative if you want them. [Posted to the touring list by AWunder@aol.com] Alt. Route (on map) for Melissa/Tom? :-) "very rocky road to climb 3,000' in 7 miles...Regain main route at Marshall Pass." *Marshall Pass, 10,842': Crossing #16. Opportunity to mt. bike Monarch Pass either this afternoon or tomorrow morning. (See ACA map comments about Monarch Pass.) Monarch Crest Tram*: Tram ascends to 12,000' for views of Rockies/Pikes Peak.
7 Sun. 7/16	Marshall Pass -> Sargents -> Monarch Valley Ranch	27.1	600'	Call Monarch Valley Ranch about camping there. Surface water generally available.(MM)	EXTREMELY limited services in Sargents.	-
8 Mon. 7/17	Monarch Valley Ranch -> Moss Lake (?)	28	1,800'	Free-style camping. Surface water generally available.(MM)	-	-
9 Tues. 7/18	Moss Lake -> Luders Creek c.g.	16.5	1,600'	Surface water generally available.(MM)	-	*Cochetopa Pass, 10,032':* Crossing #17.
10 Wed. 7/19	Luders Creek c.g. -> Storm King c.g.	29.7	2,800'	"Stream water is generally accessible during most of the day." (MM)	-	"Bike trails found in the vicinities of both Luders Ck. c.g. and Storm King c.g." (MM) Side trip to Saguache? (34 mi. r.t.) "One of the niftiest little community museums in Colorado."(MM)
11 Thur. 7/20	Storm King c.g. -> El Garita (off route) -> Del Norte	32.2	600	(From the web) Campgrounds/RV Parks: Woods and River RV Park 25 Alder Street Del Norte, CO 81132 719-657-2820 Camping is allowed in the City Park. Check with Police Dept. (See ACA map verbiage.) La Garita Creek Ranch 38145 County Road E-39 Del Norte, Colorado 81132 VOICE- 719-754-2533 (A place to check out for possible meal or ??)	Del Norte: There is a laundromat and supermarket across the street from the El Rancho Motel. (which is at 1120 Grand Ave.) There is a restaurant/cafe at the Del Norte Motel & Cafe 1050 Grand Ave. Museum, dining, lodging, shopping. (Gary B's frriend) "I have friends in Del Norte; David Off is a MTB rider and his family owns a ranch there. He is very knowledgeable about the area and current conditions. 719 657-3844 davidaoff@hotmail.com Tell him hi for me, we went to Peru together."	La Garita: 2 mi. off route. Limited services; closed Mondays. AAA map indicates camping here also."...miniscule village ...mercantile... Spanish style church...It's worth pedaling the extra miles just to capture the scene in your mind and/or on film." (MM) *Del Norte Rio Grande County Museum:* 580 Oak Street. If you need to leave, this is probably the best place to jump ship and try to arrange transportation to Colorado Springs or Denver. Getting out anywhere will be difficult, but Del Norte is a tourist route west to Durango and east to I-25 (north to Pueblo and Colo. Springs; south to Albuquerque). So far, I haven't found any information about buses to Denver, etc. However, Alamosa ("relatively close by) has United Express air service. (Alamosa is noted for year 'round notoriously awful weather. Numbingly cold in the winter, windy the whole year.)
12 Fri. 7/21	Day Off.	-	-	-	-	-
13 Sat. 7/22	Day Off.	-	-	-	-	-
14 Sun. 7/23	Del Norte -> *Indiana Pass* -> Summitville c.g. OR Stunner c.g.	33 42.5	4,500 ?	-	"Next few days are tricky in terms of finding things to eat. Stock up in Del Norte and begin to think like a backpacker." (MM) THE WATER IN SUMMITVILLE IS NON-POTABLE. THIS IS A SUPERFUND SITE. We may want to rethink our "camping" and camp at Stunner c.g. "Stock up on water in Del Norte to last til Stunner Pass." (MM)	(See map commentary about early a.m. start out of Del Norte.) "Best ridden on weekend to avoid weekday logging traffic." Approximately 4,000' altitude gain in 24 miles. *Indiana Pass, 11,910'* is the highest pass on the whole Divide route! Yee-haw!! Revise route to easier east or west roads if necessary.
15 Mon. 7/24	Summitville c.g. or Stunner c.g. -> Platero -> Mile 23.0 BASED ON (MM), WE MAY WANT TO MODIFY OUR DAILY ROUTES TO COINCIDE WITH SOME OF HIS.	38.5	2,000	Camping at motel at mile 23? Numerous camping sites between miles 16-23.	Lunch/groceries in Platero. Cafe/groceries/motel at Mile 23.0 (See ACA map Service Info)
16 Tues. 7/25	Mile 23 -> Mile 52.2 c.g.	30	3,000'	"Stream water is abundant." (MM)	-	*Cumbres & Toltec Scenic R.R.*: "The 64 mi. Antonito<->Chama trip is America's longest and highest narrow-gauge steam train route still operating. Climbs by swooping loops through forests of aspen up to Osier, a mt. ghost town that is inaccessible by car."
17 Wed. 7/26	Mile 52.2 -> Hopewell Lake	35.1	1,000'	"Hopewell Lake is a pleasant pack-it-in/out campground." (MM)	*Something to consider:* Sent to me by Gary on the touring list, who lives in Albuquerque: "One more option, and it goes through the prettiest parts of the state IMO. From Tierra Amarilla go east on US 64 through Tres Piedras, across the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge and stay in Taos. Then go So. on NM 68 to Ranchos De Taos and turn So on NM 518 to NM 75, W to NM 76, then So through Penasco, Trampas, Truchas and at Chimayo turn So on NM 520 to Nambe and hit US 285 at Pojaque. *This is called the "High Road" to/from Taos. It is incredibly beautiful,* as is 64 between Tierra Amarilla and Tres Piedras. The little Spanish towns along it are like a trip back in time. Traffic is not too bad through here, no shoulder though. From Pojoaque you are not far from Sante Fe (I am guessing 15 miles) and you can go through Tesuque on NM 590 and miss part of 285 into Santa Fe. I realise this is not the GD route, but if you want to ride to Taos and Sante Fe this is the way I would go. Let me know what you think."	"Roads on the route in northern New Mexico were generally terrible - deep ruts, huge rocks, little or no grading and upkeep. Water was scarce." [Posted to the touring list by AWunder@aol.com] Based on what we decide to do, we may make a major modification in our route based on the information in the column to the left. From Santa Fe there is the Turquoise Trail on scenic back roads which takes you to Albuquerque.
18 Thur. 7/27	Hopewell Lake -> El Rito	40.2	~1,300'	"Frequently surface water." (MM)	ACA seems to think that there are "services" in El Rito. When I was here (early December) there was extremely(!) little. Perhaps things perk up in the summer. We need to be prepared to find not much of anything available to us except a gas station.	-
19 Fri. 7/28	El Rito -> Left on Hwy 84 -> Espanola -> Santa Fe	~53	500'	-	Depending on weather (NM summer rainy season begins soon), May/June (possible) fire damage to the area, our weary bodies, etc. etc etc. we may choose to follow the DR route to Cuba, NM, veer east tonm the highway (good road!) to ABQ, and then rent four-wheeled transport vehicles to explore Santa Fe/Taos.	Mostly flat on pretty good roads. Rte. 554 from El Rito to the main hwy. juncion (84) goes through Carson National Forest ("forest" is relative...) Spectacular rock formations on your right, views on your left. Two lane road, no shoulders. The road from Espanola to Santa Fe is very busy and looked rather unsuitable for cycling (narrow-to-no-shoulder on a major highway). I will be in touch with bike clubs to see what they might recommend for a route into Santa Fe from where we are. We may have to alter our route and come in from the North along "real roads."
20 Sat. 7/29	Santa Fe	-	-	-	-	-
21 Sun. 7/30	Albuquerque	-50 miles	-	-	"You can reach me at 505 254-3519 or cell 505 269-4106." (Gary B.'s contact info.)	Shuttle? Pedal? More information to be collected.