Ride To Salida Via Poncha Pass

Today was a big day of riding so far out here now that I'm pretty acclimated to the altitude. I decided to pack up my bag and head to Salida for the day and along the way take pics and just enjoy the open country. In Salida I had plans to do some blogging, visit the bike shop to make arrangements to ship my bike home and just knock around town.

I started off to Salida from the ranch and was taking my time and enjoying the scenery. Stopped in Villa Springs at a tiny cafe for a grilled cheese and then headed back out. I started to get tired and pedaling seemed a bit harder than usual, but I figured it was the altitude so I eased up even more. The ride was seemingly flat to the Poncha Pass summit and then I realized that I gradually climbed 1800 ft over 30 miles! No wonder I was feeling a bit dogged. As I neared the summit, early afternoon storms rolled in, which as a bit earlier than expected and just as I reached the summit it started to pour. I quickly donned my arm warmers since the rain was freezing and the temps dropped dramatically. BRRRR. This side of the pass was a relatively easy climb, but the descent of the backside was 7 miles of fun, but now that it was raining I would have to take it a bit easy. Last thing I want to do it slide out and crash going 40 mph on a mountain pass.

As I approach downtown Salida in the cold rain, I got a flat. I was able to competently change it (thanks to the guy who stopped to make sure I was ok!) and then headed to a cafe for some lunch and interwebs. A pot of hot tea and a grilled veggie sandwich and I was back in business. A quick stop to the bike shop and then I was off again, this time to tackle Poncha Pass from the opposite way. Time to go up for 7 miles. I'll admit my legs were already a bit tired from the 40 miles to get to Salida so I texted Ginger and asked her to meet me some place TBD.

I started heading up the pass and quickly realized I wouldn't have enough in me to get all the way home so I asked Ginger to meet me at the summit. I wasn't going to let this stupid hill beat me! I kept it slow and steady and that worked for the most part. I wasn't gong to break any records, but my legs didn't give out almost until the very end. I made it!!! I hopped in the Subaru and we were off to Joyful Journeys Hot Mineral Springs for some post ride recovery!

We enjoyed a nice soak (with some stretching for me) in the springs and then back to the ranch for some cheddar chipotle chicken sausage and ranch poppers (jalapenos with smoked cheddar and swiss) roasted over the fire and then I promptly passed out. What and incredible day!