Colorado Trail Recap: Day 3

"Ok fellas, you can't camp here." is what we woke up to on Day 3. A friendly park ranger woke us up about 6 to shoo us out of the picnic shelter. The guy was really nice about it, and understood that we were only three because of the rain. We got up and moving pretty fast, said goodbye to the campground eagle, and were on the road by 8. 

Good morning, officer

America (some assembly required)

 The day started with about 8 miles up Tarryall Road which was paved. This was a gentle climg and a great warm up to start a day of riding. We passed the Stagestop Saloon, which was unsurprisingly closed at 8 in the morning. Had our schedule worked out differently, this would have been a cool place to hang out.

Tarryall Raod

A bit past the Saloon, we turned north onto some jeep trails that would eventually rejoin the CO Trail. This got us off the pavement and onto some dirt from miles 9 to 16. This was a really cool area with some aspens as we climbed higher and higher.

Nice Jeep trail

From up high on this trail we could see Southpark to the SouthWest of us. We were going to circle around the valley on the North side and end up on the nearly opposite side by the end of the day.

One of many beautiful views into Southpark

We were really happy once we got back on the CO Trail because it means singletrack instead of dirt roads. This trail was really great, and got us into some neat terrain as we approached Kenosha Pass.

All Smiles, despite some more rain

Awesome views from here

The trail here had a few obstacles, but everything was very rideable. (almost everything)

Isaac hopping a fallen tree

The Aspen groves were incredible to ride through. WE didn't see anyone for a long time on these trails. 

It was awesome to come over Kenosha pass. It was the first people we'd seen all day. Lots of hikers were setting out on the trail in both directions. 

Another CO Trail trailhead sign

We took advantage of a water pump thing at the campground right at the pass. Here is where Jesse also found some reasonable flip flops. 

Cold, beautiful water

We rode for another short bit and then took a break to have lunch and the views were amazing. Here we're looking back south east into the same valley, having ridden all the way across the north side.

Table for two

So, anyone who talked to me for the week before this ride knows I was on the hunt for small packets of relish for this tuna roll-up I planned on having. I procured some from Wal-Mart, and it was delicious. 

An amazing lunch

This part was some really fun songletrack riding, nothing too challenging. There was a hill on the profile that ended up not being a big deal at all.

Lets goooo

We got to the campground and were able to relax a bit. I think we could have ridden another hour or two on this day, but it was nice to have a table and some fresh water and relax. There was also  a creek where we all hopped in to soak the legs and clean up a bit. 

Smile

This night we had Reid meet us with a resupply and a fun dinner. No fires, but we sat around and had a really great evening. 

Cheers

Faux fire

The campground was right next to the CO Trail, so we were confident in an early start in the morning, despite a few evening beers.