Today there was a group start at 8am, led by Adam, to help facilitate crossing a busy intersection. The temperature was a cool 55 degrees with very mild winds. With the steep climb out of Frisco, the group quickly split into smaller groups once out of town.
We were on Vail Pass and Gore Valley Trails for most of the day. There were some steep climbs of 8-10% grades and even a brief 15% grade. It was about 11 miles to Vail, and once in town we did a short walk around the shops and restaurants. Alan and I stopped at the Vail Brewing Company for one local beer. I had a raspberry blonde, and Alan had the West Coast IPA. I also splurged and had a black raspberry ice cream cone at Joe’s Famous Deli. (The ice cream in Concrete,WA on our hiking trip was better.)
After our short walking tour of Vail, we were back on our bikes for the long descent into Avon. The total ride mileage was 41 miles with over 2,000 feet of elevation. However, almost all of the elevation gain was in the first eleven miles. There were maximum speed limit signs posted at 25mph for bikes; we didn’t get a picture.
Dinner tonight was at Northside Kitchen and it was outstanding. Alan and I both chose the Black Cod.
The sign indicates the maximum grade of 15%.
Alan took this picture as I was still climbing up to Vail Pass. I am the rider in front.
Beautiful setting for the second SAG stop.
The Ski Trooper Memorial for the men who served in the Tenth Mountain Division from 1941-1946 in Aleutian Islands and Italy.
John & Cissy Dobson Covered Bridge.
On the door of our hotel in Avon.
The Avon Post Office.
