Monday, 8/2--departed Montrose at 5806' on US 50 facing 2 major climbs (2 more COLS), and into the continuing headwinds, making only 2-3 MPH "standing on the pedals" much of the way up Cerro Summit at 8000'. After a smooth decent another climb to Blue Mesa summit @ 8500' and down along the "Black Canyon" of the Gunnison(River) National Monument, into Cimarron. They planned to take a break at Sapinero (named for a Ute Chief), but found that it was "under water"--in a series of reservoirs through the Curecanti Nat Rec Area.

The last 25 miles were still into a headwind in "paceline" and finally into Gunnison @ 7703'. They met "Tyler" managing the Pizza Hut (buffet) who instructed them on a "short cut" to the next days major climb---Cottonwood Pass--The CONTINENTAL DIVIDE--and highest point on the trip! As they approach larger population centers, motel rates have risen to $65-$75/room.

Tuesday, 8/3---Early departure on the "short-cut toward Altamont (rather than on US50 toward Perlin, as originally planned) and after a mile they hit "road construction as they parallel the Taylor River. After 12 miles they pass Altamont and the "main road" (135) turns North toward Crested Butte, and the "pelleton" continues NE on a smooth road toward "COTTONWOOD PASS @ 12,126'!!! The road is smooth, and they pass many "campgrounds"---but see no tents, which amazes them all, particularly Hans and Inga-lill---Everyone is "camping" in "towables" or motorhomes, and Will comments that "they could just stay home and look at the scenery on "the outdoor channel".

Will found a cafe that the others missed, and they proceeded to the summit of Cottonwood Pass--the Continental Divide @ 12,126' THIS IS A PERSONAL BEST CLIMB FOR WILL, HANS AND INGA-LILL!!!!

After waiting for 45 minutes in "freezing weather", they begin to descend and have to put on "heavy/warm gear" at 50F for 14 miles with Mt. Yale (14194') to the North and Mt. Princeton (14,197') to the South. On the way down they meet a biker who read the book "Climbing Colorado Cols" traveling by truck, and biking the "cols'. He is a teacher at BOSTON PUBLIC, the school made famous(?) by the TV series of that name. Will catches up and tells them he tried to flag them down when they passed(missed) the Cafe. There is some suspicion that his mouth was full, and he could not yell at them! They hit 60kph for much of the decent for the last 25 miles into Buena Vista. Larry says knowing he has "new tires" gave his confidence at a speed he normally does not reach for long periods.

Wednesday, 8/4---Departing BV at about 8,000' and a 14 mile climb to Trout Creek Pass @ 9,346' and a decent by grasslands and open range to Hartsel (pop 100, elv. 8,000') and lunch, where Inga and Hans had there first "Buffaloburger", and they learned that there is a large herd that they missed that is on the open range.

They met cyclists Mary and Bill Coffee of VA heading to Storey, OR, on the road since the end of May. They also met Rich and Sharon from Yorktown, VA, also en-route to OR and CA. Leaving Hartsel, and crossing the Platt on 24, they note that the grass and high desert are gone, and they are seeing pine forests reminiscent of Sweden, much to the Swedes surprise and enjoyment. After the second "col" of the day, Wilkerson Pass @ 9,507' they cruise into Lake George, CO, consisting of a General Store, restaurant, and cabins on the lake.

And while enjoying their second "delicacy of the day", Hans and Inga-lill observe that not only are they surprised to have OYSTERS in Colorado (Rocky Mountain type), they are fatty and somewhat tasteless for "seafood".

Thursday, 8/5 30 miles through Florissant and Divide, then South to Cripple Creek @10,500' and Victor, only to find that the road through Goldfield to Colorado Springs is "impassible"---a dirt road with 3 tunnels, one of which is collapsed!

While deciding to backtrack 18 miles to Divide, they learn that "Anglo Gold" is re-opening a mine, has built a new bridge and is making many "improvements" to support the effort.

Larry, goes to the bank to get some cash, and the ATM "ate his card" leaving him without funds and without his only card! He is advised that the Wells Fargo truck will be through soon but that policy is to "cut up" any card that is in question. A quick trip to the bank finds a compassionate manager (Chuck Bishop) who calls Wells Fargo and arranges for the card to be returned and everything seems to be OK___until the truck arrives, and the Lead Man knows nothing about the arrangement, and insists he must follow "procedure"---a quick call, and it does get resolved, Larry gets the card & cash (pictures to follow) and they head back North to Divide. They actually go around Pikes Peak as they head to Woodland Park they South, and then see a "black wall" of rain ahead and lightening all around as they make a mad dash with Will leading the way, after a long day, into the Springs.

Carl is still working, and for many years they have been breeding showdogs---(Cavalier King Charles Spaniels). Carl will retire in the Spring and they will move to Roanoke, VA where the "family" is. As they swap stories, Carl (REDEYE 6) fills them in on some of his exploits in 'Nam (65-66 and 68-69) and time is spent relaxing as well as cleaning and oiling the bikes. Carl will not make this re-union, so Larry and Will will have to fill us in on the details of the visit.