Had a way too late start and paid for being lazy. The route goes south from Montrose, gradually climbing up first a flat, then another narrow valley to Ridgway, where the climb to Dallas Divide (8970ft) begins. After Dallas Divide the road drops down fifteen hundred feet just to meander up to Lizard Head Pass (10222ft), the last five digits summit of this trip.
The problem is: There's no service/campground between Dallas Divide and Lizard Head Pass (well there is, but way up the second climb). By the time I arrived in Ridgway it was too late to tackle both climbs. The pictures shouldn't leave a doubt about how the weather was like. Being late at high elevation without proper clothes when a storm is approaching is potentially fatal. I've met a bicyclist on the day I got to Pueblo who told me he had gotten caught in a storm during a climb and the only way not to suffer hypothermia was to pitch his tent by the side of the road and get in his sleeping bag.
Long story short: I'm staying in town tonight, having done not even 50km. Shortest day of the tour but safety first. So far I'm not even close to being under pressure of time.
Gonna try to do both passes tomorrow though.
Oh and of course I had headwinds today, being supportive the first 20km the wind turned the moment the valley narrowed. Had some drizzle, too. And some lightning.
PS: every day since Pueblo has text and pictures now
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