From last weekend. Two Scenic Byways.
Here's the location of the Silver Thread Scenic Byway, ridden from north to south...
So we have a pause at Blue Mesa, the largest body of water in Colorado, formed by a dam on the Gunnison River. I'm at the eastern side of the reservoir here. It extends for another 17 miles to the west though not visible here...
Just after Lake City there is the ascent of Slumgullion Pass. When ever you see a swath of Aspen trees like in the background here there's a good chance a forest fire cut a swath through the same place years prior...
Pulling over at a lookout to the west from near the top of Slumgullion. The jagged 14,000ft. sentinels of Wetterhorn on the left and Uncompaghre on the right stand guard over a largely unspoiled wilderness. This Hinsdale County has a population of only 820 residents with the majority in Lake City down below...
I know you've done this... having so much fun on a swooping road you don't even pause for a pic. So Spring Creek Pass is passed. I see the headwaters of the Rio Grande river, but I do pause at the town of Creede. This is the "Silver Thread" Scenic Byway for the history of silver mining along the way. Lake City and Creede boasted much larger (mining supported) populations 100 years ago. Here's Creede in 1892...
Here's Creede today...
The destination is Durango for the evening, and this means the tedious chore of ascending/descending Wolf Creek Pass :cool:. From the top looking east...
And on the western descent. The RT is in its element on this ride...
Durango is on the southern end of one of the premier rides in the U.S... the Million Dollar Highway, or San Juan Skyway. Going to ride the jaw dropping 70 mile section from Durango to Ouray. I rise early, turn on the heated seat in the chill (Ahhhhhh), and have a ride to remember. Here's the location...
Just south of Silverton, facing towards the rising sun at Molas Pass...
Moving the bike a few feet with the sun at the back...
Can see from the pic above we have a descent before us, a descent to the historic town of Silverton. This can be one lonely cold place in the winter. It isn't uncommon for the town to be cutoff from supplies as avalanches crash down onto the highway south and north. Indeed, there's a memorial to Dept of Transportation snowplow drivers having given their lives while maintaining this Skyway in the winter...
Here's the start of the famed Red Mountain Pass. We head towards the distance. Can tell from the soil here there are reasons miners decided to stake claims and put down roots in Silverton...
We're near the top of Red Mountain Pass. There is a waterfall deep in the rock crack descending from the saddle...
On the descent towards Ouray I see early signs of autumn...
S W E E T...
I found this IMG on the web of a snow shed one goes under on the descent to Ouray...
Here's how one would get through the same spot 100 years ago...
This is one tricky road for both four legged and two wheeled transportation devices. Trust the horses and don't get distracted. Back then...
And now. How would you like to plow the deep snow off the lane closest to the edge...
Above Ouray at the turn of the 20th century...
And above Ouray at the turn of the 21st century...
A good ride, and good riding everyone!
Mile upon Mile of high - speed - curvy - nobody - in - sight - happinesss!!!!
Rmcclung said:
