Day 1- Crested Butte to Buena Vista

Our route, mapped by my bike GPS. For more details, click here.

This was the day that took months of training to be ready for. The assault up Cottonwood Pass was pretty tough - over 14 miles (22 kilometers) of dirt road, climbing to 12,181 feet, with an elevation gain of nearly 5,000 feet. This is the highest elevation I've done to date, and probably one of the tougher climbs. Along the way, Dan's chain broke under the strain, requiring a repair stop at the fourth, and last aid station before the top.

Peter, along the road from Almont

That said, it was a beautiful day, made especially so thanks to the great company we have on the ride. Susan, Dan, Peter and I headed out from Crested Butte and down a long descent into the turn-off to Cottonwood Pass at Almont, on highway 135, about 20 miles (32 km).

Stan, near Taylor Reservoir on the way to Cottonwood Pass

From there, we were climbing until we reached the top of Cottonwood Pass. Along the way, we were treated to some spectacular scenery, from dry cattle-grazing farmland to rushing mountain streams and lakes, to snow-covered mountains and high alpine tundra.

Dan, stopping to put on wind protection above the snow line

The last part of the climb was the toughest due to strong cross winds that whipped across the barren landscape above the snowline.

Susan heading out for the final assault to the mountain pass

Great care had to be taken descending down the mountain as a heavy gust could easily throw a rider off his balance.

Descending Cottonwood Pass

Thankfully, once we reached the summit, the road was paved, making it much safer to descend. Once we got below the barren high-alpine elevation, the wind died down, making it possible to descend quickly down the highway. Click here for more spectacular photos.

NOTE: Internet access may be unreliable for the next several days, so updates may not happen right away. Be patient.. the adventure this week has only just begun!

Oleh arriving in Buena Vista. We made it!