Crested Butte Welcomes us

After about a 4 hour drive down 285 and a tangle with a gaggle of Hell Angels we arrived at Crested Butte. It is such a scenic drive and it was so green from all the snow melt. Soon as we entered the city you could see the registration with the multitude of tents. That will be the home for many riders who don't mind riding long hard hours, then putting up their tents and sleeping on the hard and unforgiving ground. Not for these gals--we like the luxury of a hotel and a nice soft bed. By the end of the ride, you're just happy for a bed.

After I picked up my jersey and coveted route book, we went into the town. They were having a street Festival with lots of biking stuff. Crested Butte really knows how to host riders. It such a laid back, sleepy town that you immediately feel comfortable here. It feels like a place that you could live. You don't feel scorned by the "townies"--but welcomed to their summer long party.

I got the opportunity to go out for a ride with Jake O'Conner and his new off road bike. We took off down what seemed like a fairly easy road, next thing I know, I'm shaking as I'm negotiating some sketchy terrain. I made it though, and gained confidence the more I rode it. It was a blast--I wanted more, but alas I need to get on my regular handcycle and stay on the paved roads for the next six days.

Tomorrow's route is 74 miles to Buena Vista--over Cottonwood Pass. I've done it twice before and it's never been a favorite as there are 14 unpaved miles on the uphill. The downhill on the other side is a screamer though. Hours of climbing and minutes in the descent--such is the life on Ride the Rockies.

I have to give a big shout out to the Elevation Hotel on the mountain. The room we got wasn't too accessible in the bathroom--and they gave me my own accessible room NO CHARGE!! It's an awesome room and I was able to shower easily and just relax.
Conversely, I'd have to give thumbs down to Tequila's Restaurant. We waited 2 hours for food (and it wasn't even crowded)-- it wasn't worth the wait. I've had better food at Taco Bell. Next time it's Danita's for sure. Thanks Crested Butte, wish we could have stayed longer.