Day 2 - Cortez to Telluride: The Yin and the Yang...

Today's ride was everything that I thought it would be and everything that I didn't think it would be?!  The range of emotions ran the gamut!!!  Lightness/darkness; happiness/sadness; thrill of victory/agony of defeat.  Choose one. 

 

For starters, this route could very easily be one of the most beautiful roads in Colorado....if you're driving.  For bike riding, the almost 65 miles of climbing of 5,273 feet of elevation makes you feel a little different - maybe not so happy at times and unable/incapable of taking in some

of this stunning beauty.  It starts in non-descript Cortez and ends in stunning Telluride.  Like I said...the yin and the yang.

Here's some comparative stats on today's ride for Coach/Hammer for some rider yin/yang, respectively:

• Ride Time:  6:33:13/No official time from Hammer, probably about 20 minutes shorter
  
• Distance:  74.56 miles/74.55 miles
  
• Maximum Speed:  40.7 mph/44.1 mph
  
• Calories Burned:  5,174/6,769
  
• Average Heart Rate:  132 bpm/135 bpm
  
• Elevation Climbed:  5,273 ft.

I can say that I'm now 2 for 4 as far as bonking on this climb.  No problems with energy, but there was plenty of pain to work through.  I hate this climb/I love this climb!

The Coach

Here's some of the pics from today's adventure:

Heading Out from the Days Inn Parking Lot

Lake Overlook from Bike Route - Delores, CO

The Destination - Lizard Head

Bent, but Not Broken & Defiant

The Destination - Was it Worth It?  You, tell me!