In early September, nine members supported by Gail Simonson driving the SAG wagon took on the southwestern Colorado Rockies over four days. Total miles were 254 and covered two days of 70+ miles and two days of 50+ miles. And five passes were surmounted. All participants are unanimous in their summary of the ride in just one word: Fantastic! And their praise was equally high for Gail, who knew just where to be with the van for support, water, sandwich materials, and wardrobe needs. 

After checking into the motel in Gunnison, we gathered in Garlic Charlie’s for a great Italian dinner and curious circulating wine glass supports. Then to bed and up with light rain that would last into the afternoon with on and off showers. These proved to be welcome as it minimized the temperatures for the climb of the first pass. The group arrived in Saguache and quickly showered and enjoyed Happy Hour in Judy’s and Karen’s room. The only restaurant in Saguache closes on Wednesdays. The ladies of the group said they would cook dinner in the kitchen of one of the rooms. But the men insisted on another solution. Frank called the owners of the restaurant and they prepared a fine feast. We were the only customers to eat dinner of fresh local salad, fresh homemade breads, lasagna, spaghetti, vegetables, and then homemade pies and cakes. We couldn’t say “no,” since the owners had spent their day off preparing for us. 

The next day was supposed to be mostly level with an easy climb to Creede at the end. By late morning, a serious headwind had developed and continued to build. Pedaling at a speed where we should  be going 17 mph, we were only riding at 6-7 mph for about 35 miles. The canyon up to Creede deflected the wind and it was a pleasant ride and finish. Another Happy Hour and dinner and to bed again. The next day was cool in the morning for the big climbs of two passes, including Slumgullion at 11,530 feet and then a big ride down to Lake City. Lost in the township after Happy Hour, we straggled into what must be the finest restaurant in the tri-county area. Very happy to retire to bed after dinner, we were up on another cool morning to start riding down the Gunnison River toward Gunnison, but the trip included climbing two more passes first. We rode triumphantly into Gunnison to our cars about 2 p.m. Some chose to spend the night in the general area and others drove back to Santa Fe, stopping at McDonald’s in Alamosa for a quick dinner. 

The weather was perfect for the last two days of riding. The scenery was magnificent for the entire ride. And the camaraderie was outstanding and was the main reason for the entire trip. There are nine very contented riders, knowing they succeeded at the ride. True, it was mostly an “A Group” ride, but the “B Group” riders finished the ride, too, and are glad they went.

People are already thinking to next year. One idea is to provide more riding opportunities for more participants, perhaps finding towns where the group might stay for a couple of nights and get two days of riding different routes for both “A” and “B” riders. Then move to another town for a couple of nights. 

The participants for the ride this year were: Dave Simonson, Ian Norrish, Judy Costlow, Karen Adelfang, Lynn Piccard, Lore Thorpe, Frank Battaglia, Ramon Parcell, and Bill Pollock. 

Pictures of the trip are available here: