Breckenridge, CO to Buena Vista, CO
No other travelers showed up last night so I had the bunk room at The Bivvi to myself! The chef was late to start breakfast, so I got on the road later than planned, and the sausage was probably turkey – which I’m allergic to – so unfortunately, I had to steer clear of that (It smelled so GOOD!).
The steady climb up Hoosier Pass started immediately. It was 10 miles to the top and very steep! I’m glad I planned on doing the ride first thing in the morning on fresh legs. It was windy near the top but only after I could see the summit sign, so I knew I was almost there. I stopped for a break at the top for the requisite “summit selfie” and to check the spokes. It was then that I realized I had forgotten to reengage the brake calipers on the rear brakes after the spoke repair! I had disengaged the brakes to open the calipers when putting my wheel back on! Well that could have been disastrous! Good thing I stopped before the downhill!
The summit of Hoosier Pass is 11,539 feet (the highest point of my journey). It’s all downhill from here! At the summit, I met Brian, another bike packer going the OTHER way and took a few pictures together. Then I absolutely cruised the next 20 miles until Trout Creek Pass. I had to take a break and wait at the top because at this pace I was going to beat my friends (coming from the airport) to my friend, Sophie’s house. After a snack and a rest in the shade, I started towards Buena Vista. Along the way a car went speeding by me with lots of honking and yelling. It was my friends driving by about 10 minutes out from Sophie’s. Pretty good timing! I got an escort to the front door by Sophie’s dad, John, on his one-wheeler and cheers from my friends with a sign that said “Pedal to the Max”.
We headed straight to the river to try some river surfing. So cool! The water is all snow melt, so it’s pretty cold. You have to paddle hard into the break and it just holds you there and then you try to stand up. If you miss, it pops you out. I got to the break but couldn’t stand. Lot’s of fun. I’m very tired but happy to be with my friends and have a few day to “rest” for the 4th! View Photos ->
Distance: 58.86(1381.49 total miles)
Time: 3:40:51
Ascent: 2644
Descent: 4393
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I’m finally catching up on my summer reading now that you guys are all dispersed again 😀
Missing you tons already, keep pushing!
I know you. Determined. You WILL stand on that board in the river. Sophie must b a good teacher. Good hints.
Looks like a spectacular way to spend the 4th! Belated but congrats on the 1st thousand miles done!
Thanks Deb! If only Erik and Flo we’re here with us!
Happy 4th of July. To Sophie, Miguel, Enio, Jonathan, Max, and Sophie’s parents. What a fun day. Love the river surfing pix. How was that Max. Love to you all. I know Eric and Florian would love to have been there🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
River surfing was so much fun! I’ll stand before I leave!
So cool Max! Happy 4th!🇺🇸
Thanks Mags!! 🎇🇺🇸🎆