We started riding just around 8am and the weather was just a tiny bit chilly at 58 degrees, but it warmed up quickly. Both Alan and I ditched our jackets at the first SAG stop.
Today we moved from Vail (8,150 ft elevation) & Avon (7,430) areas in the higher elevations to Glenwood Springs. It is a mountain town sitting in a steep river valley at the lower elevation of 5,758 feet on the Western Slope of the Rocky Mountains, surrounded by alpine forests, rugged canyons, and a semi-arid climate.
We cycled along the valley created by the Colorado River for most of the day. The rock face formations and river kept inspiring all day long. We also traveled through several towns including Eagle and Gypsum. We were just short of the second SAG stop when we both decided it was time for a “pit stop,” so we detoured into the Eagle airport. Early in the day we had a few miles of road riding and then we cycled on the Eagle Valley Trail and the Glenwood Canyon Trail.
When we completed our almost 55 mile ride, it was 81 degrees. It also started to rain about ½ hour after we finished.
The day ended with a happy hour and dinner on the terrace of the Hotel Colorado. Included was a charcuterie platter and bruschetta, followed by a buffet offering numerous choices.
A quick “pit stop.”
As the trail paralleled highway I-70, we went under several tunnels, crossing from one side to the other.
The third SAG stop of the day.
A Shoshone diversion dam which feeds a hydro-electric power plant.
The Colorado River.
As we cycled along the river we saw white river rafters, kayakers and paddle boarders.
Our room inside the iconic Hotel Colorado.
