Oct. 4 – Giant Killer

Man was it cold last night! A hard freeze for sure and everything was all covered in white frost. Made it tough to get out of the tent.

Luckily, the cafe and store were open early and had hot coffee ready. I set up shop there and got some work done, waiting until the sun peeked out and warmed things a little before I broke camp and packed up. About 11am I figured I had procrastinated enough and Monarch Pass was probably warm enough to climb. So off I went – it was cold, but I shed layers as I climbed and I think the cool temperature helped my climbing abilities. I zipped right up the approach and soon saw this sign:

It was a tough 7 miles, but my legs felt good and before I knew it the summit was within reach!

Another hour or so of hard work and I was there! Monarch Pass was in the bag! 11,312 feet above sea level! The highest point for the trip.

Then it was time to put on the heavy gloves as I bombed down the other side towards Salida – my hands still got numb! It was a downhill cruise all the way, except when I had to stop due to a cattle drive blocking the highway. Don’t you hate it when that happens!

My plan was to stay in Salida, but it was still pretty early when I arrived – and with a tailwind and a downhill ride it made sense to keep on pedaling. I rode on until the sun was setting and I am now camping at the Bighorn RV and Camping Park in Coaldale, right by the Arkansas River.