Day 5
Crested Butte to Salida
77 of 102 Miles
12-hour day for me
5,812-foot elevation gain
Song of the Day: I'm Still Standing by Elton John
I hope I'm stronger when this is over. I did not sag the climb. Done in by headwind, sleep-deprivation, heat, hunger and saddle sores. iPhone died before summit, but Cyclemeter recorded my whole 77 miles. Ran out of food I carried by summit, most vendor food I could eat at summit sold out by the time I got there. Two more hard climbs, and then I get my real bed back.
Posts
Damn, that sounds like quite the miserable climb, as things just ran out and conked out haha
ReplyDeleteIt actually was one of my favorite days, Pat, until I got what they determined must have been heat exhaustion. I took a long, long time to climb Cottonwood, but I think I had a pretty good climb. It was so rewarding getting to the top, even though I was exhausted.
DeleteA tough day! A scenic day! A European feel to the route. I thought the dirt side added to the day's mission. I was hoping to catch a glimpse of a moose, but no luck.
ReplyDeleteI was looking for moose, too, Lizard. Heaven only knows I was going slow enough, I should have been able to spot one if they'd been out anywhere!
DeleteThe "going down" shot made my insides curl.
ReplyDeleteThese photos seem to me to be quintessential RtR (from the point of view of someone who's never done the event). Beyond-stunning views and beyond-difficult climbs! Beyond-worth-it rewards.
I can't imagine climbing like that on a dirt road. Sure hope it was well packed!
It was well-packed, and I actually did okay on the climb. Slow but steady. I love this climb. Love the views. Love Taylor Reservoir. Love that I got to ride alongside the Lizard for a few minutes!
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