Turning point

I know I will regret saying this tomorrow but I think today might just have been the turning point. This happens on every tour, it is the point you start to accept the hard work as normal and can enjoy the rest of the trip. Its often after a really hard day, I think adding the context helps. “Wow this is a really long climb but I am not pushing my bike in the rain, so it’s not that bad” It’s also the point when your body starts to adapt and recovers quicker. It’s a lovely shift when this happens, it doesn’t make the trip easier but I does make you happier while suffering. 

The fact that the trail today is not overly hard and was 99.9% rideable may have also contributed. In addition to good trail riding the bike detour into Beuna vista was lovely and about 80% down hill ! 

We had a long leisurely beer/snack break at the Trailhead restaurant in town then restocked for 6 days backcountry before grabbing dinner at Eddyline Brewery and heading back out to the trail. We arrived at the trail junction and camping spot just before dark so made a quick camp then headed to bed. Tomorrow promises lots of climbing and hopefully not too much pushing. 

Sidetracked

Damp, why is everything so damp ! The sleeping bag feels sticky and the tent is sagging under the weight of the dew when we wake. In an ideal world we would have waiting for the sun to dry the tents before packing up but the promise of a premium cooked breakfast hastened our departure. 

Jefferson was a 46km ride from camp and was the home to the fabled “breakfast to die for”. Whoever said that must have been a lot hungrier than we were because the food leaves a lot to be desired... even 4 days into oatmeal. After breakfast we risk our lives to cross the road and take a second crack at good food at the Jefferson Depot.... so much better, friendly and an all together better atmosphere. We spend a good two hours procrastinating in the courtyard gathering the will to tackle the next climb. About the time we are getting ready to leave a fit looking gentlemen walks by and asks if we are climbing Como pass. We say that wasn’t the plan but ask about it, he tells us it’s a gentle grade up and over Boreas Pass at 11482ft that drops you into Breckeridge right at the brewery. He could have started with brewery because as soon as he said that we were sold. The pass really was lovely, a nice gentle climb for 11 miles that brought us up above the tree line and offered some spectacular views. The decent down the other side was odd, not because of the road but because every single pull off or vaguely flat area had a tent pitched on it... that should have been a warning sign. 

We arrive at the brewery just after 6:30pm and have a few beer and burgers, they are good but the worry of finding accommodation is gnawing at me..for good reason. 

When we start calling around there is nothing available..anywhere in town for less that $300 US.

Plan B. The nearest town is Frisco, it’s the Squamish to Breckenridge and more importantly it’s mostly down hill. It’s rapidly getting dark as we find the bike path the leads us the 8 miles to Frisco and to our mystery hotel we booked sight unseen on Hotwire. By the time we arrive it’s pitch black but not overly concerning thanks to door to door bike paths. The hotel is your standard 2 star family type place but has a shower and laundry so is a win in my books!