Gunnison, CO

Today we crossed the Continental Divide after the climb up and over Monarch Pass. At 11,312 feet, Monarch is the highest point that we will reach on the trip. Like yesterday, the good news about a long climb is the fast and fun descent on the other side. The route is following US Highway 50. There is moderate traffic but a decent shoulder. Most people are courteous and pass with a wide margin. The one exception, and experienced road bikers will relate, are the large bus-like RV's, usually trailing something, that like to pass by much closer with a blast of wind as they go by. The weather was clear and beautiful for reaching the summit and then the mountain clouds began to build. There was rain somewhere, but not on us.

We reached Gunnison after 80 miles. Gunnison is the home of Western State College and looks to be quite prosperous. It sits in a large basin surrounded by tall mountains. As we arrived in town we could not help but notice that there were lots of other bikers in town. It is some kind of organized in state ride that is staying in Gunnison tonight.