June 18 / Day 31

Gunnison to Sargeants

32 daily
1530 total

I take it easy today and stay at the foot of Monarch Pass. I'm leary of the upcoming climb and save the trip up and over for the next day. I had Sonic Burger last night and still haven't fully recovered.

Today's ride is quick and quiet.

>I reach the Sargeants RV park and campground and visit the cafe for lunch. I meet a guy from DC who is riding a mountain bike race from Mexico to Canada. He's a bit condescending and we stop chatting pretty quick. I relax and watch Cheech and Chong's "Next Movie" on my IPad- still hilarious! Here's a view of one of the many streams that wind through the valley leading up to Monarch Pass...

June 16 / Day 29

Montrose to Gunnison

65.5 daily
1498 total

While enjoying blueberry pancakes at the Red Barn Restaurant I meet a fella from Susanville, CA and he's in town to referre a mountain bike race. The road gently rises up to the first big climb of the day- Cerro Summit.

This climb is no joke! Four miles straight up and I'm fighting for road with the truckers.

There's a fun ride down to Cimmarron where I meet three dudes riding from Portland, OR. Once they reach Portland, ME they'll turn around and ride home.
Blue Mesa summit is even more difficult with lots of trucks! Over the top I've got a long downhill ride to the reservoir.

It's really beautiful riding beside the reservoir. It's also really darn hot! I walk towards this sign to catch a sliver of shade when a cloud passes in front of the sun and offers me a break from the heat - hooray for clouds!

The sun stays tucked away for the rest of the ride and the remaining miles to Gunnison are a cinch.

>I was jammin' with my head down and almost missed this incredible scene. This spot reminded me of scenery from the Lord of the Rings movies.