July 18th: Glenwood Springs – Aspen: 72km, 651m climbed

Autor: Tim Goodall

Today’s stage did not look too difficult on paper but it wore us down because it was uphill all the way. We were in no rush to leave early so we took our time getting breakfast and then loading the bikes. The first stop was at a bike shop to get a replacement tube for John but that didn’t work out because, despite being a large and well stocked shop, they did not have his size tube with a presta valve. Maybe we’ll have more luck in Aspen. The next stop was to visit the Doc Holliday grave site. When we arrived at the sign for the cemetery it turned out that we had to walk a steep half mile trail to get there. John wasn’t keen on adding a one mile walk to the bike ride and, in fact, I wasn’t either but this was the only chance so Mark and I walked up. It turned out that the exact position of his grave is not known because cemetery records were lost a long time ago so there is just a memorial site.

Once we were back down to where John was waiting we set off on our long trek up the Roaring Fork river valley. We had expected to be on the main road in traffic all day but we were directed on to the Rio Grande Trail which is a tarmac surfaced old railway line that brought it all the way to the middle of Aspen. It was an excellent trail to ride on with lots to see. Wild life included chipmunks, squirrels, ground squirrels, an eagle, wild turkeys and, the one that stopped dead in our tracks, was a full grown black bear. Mark was the only one to get a picture of the bear before it disappeared into the woods.

We are now settled in the Tyrolean Lodge after having been out for dinner and a walk round a very busy tourist town. Tomorrow we need to find a bike shop that can inspect the bottom bracket on Mark’s bike after it started creaking in today’s final 5 miles and then we will probably be taking it easy in preparation for a monster stage on Wednesday.

Our last look at the Colorado river discoloured by heavy rainfall.
Theatre in Glenwood Springs
The start of our hike.
and there it is.
Roaring Fork river valley.
Just starting on the Rio Grande Trail.
and along trail it was too.
Just entering Carbondale (for a lunch break).
There were some nice looking properties on this route. In Carbondale a house with around 55 sqm of space $675,000!!!! The one in the picture? Millions.
According to John this is an old fashioned method of baling hay.
One of the family of turkeys.
An old Pullman carriage…….
being used ad a home.
Almost there.
One black bear to stay away from.

 

175 Gedanken zu „July 18th: Glenwood Springs – Aspen: 72km, 651m climbed“

  1. Catriona Antworten

    How exciting to see a bear, fotunately not too close up. All the photos are great but I loved the railway house. Catriona

  2. Diana Heinrichs Antworten

    Hi Tim, I’m not sure that you received our congratulations on your birthday. We hope you managed to fit in a few beers in the evening to celebrate. Good that you missed the thunderstorm.
    We’re enjoying reading your blog and many thanks for the super photos .
    Hope the weather continues to be suitable for cycling.
    It’s hot here and the least activity as possible is recommended @
    Take care. Have fun. Love Diana and Heinz xx

  3. Peter Phillips Antworten

    Looks like you guys are working hard and having a lot of fun.
    Keep it up!
    Regards, Pete and Hazel

  4. Orest Kocij Antworten

    Fabulous pictures Tim, shame about Doc Holliday but at least you did it.Sounds like the Rio Grande Trail was lovely. Hope Marks bike is okay. Orest & Tina x

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