Stage 3 Elevation
Left Del Norte in anticipation of what the road to the highest pass of this trip and the 4000 feet elevation gain would bring. At first it was a gradual 11 mile uphill towards Indiana Pass, on a nicely paved road, passing pastures with the fresh smell of drying grass in the air. At mile 11 it was like riding into a wall. The road turned to gravel and climbed at a rate of 7-9% with 11% ramps. At times it was difficult to keep traction, luckily the hard packed gravel was in good condition. After the first 8 miles the grade came down to 6% with occasional 10% ramps. At 3-4 mph, the 13 miles took over 3 hours to climb 😬
Smell Of Fresh Cut Grass
Road To Indiana Pass
Top of Indiana Pass 11958 feet (3645m)
360 Degrees View
Shortly after Indiana Pass is Summitville a former mining town, now Ghost Town and Super Fund cleanup site. Besides the pollution, it is still a beautiful setting .
The road turned rougher toward Stunner Pass and even downhill speeds had to be reduced to 6-7 mph.
Camping at Stunner Campground was not so stunning at all. Wasps seemed to like the area as well and sitting outside the tent was rather uncomfortable.
View Of Stunner Pass Campground
In the morning, the camp was packed up in hurry without breakfast, as the wasps were as active as the evening before. The rough road over Stunner Pass continued down to Platoro a small holiday community with a cafe. This was quickly utilized to sit down for coffee & breakfast.
The ride continued on a slightly better road down the lush green valley along the Conejos River to Horca. Because of a Holiday weekend, the roads got a bit busier and dustier due to weekend enthusiasts in their off-road vehicles.
Beat from Salt Lake City was on a mini vacation as well and the timing was perfect for a meeting at Elk Creek campground for a meal and some camp stories.
Elk Creek Campground With High And Low Tech Gear!!
Right out of the campground the road climbed toward La Manga Pass. As it was still early in the morning, the air was fresh and cool, the road nicely paved and all was smooth going.
Just Another Pass
After a short downhill, the route turned onto Forest Road 87 with a nice few of the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Steam Railroad.
FR 87 got rougher with every mile and just after the "Welcome to New Mexico" sign, it turned to 💣💩😡 ... Because of the steep rocky inclines, it became a push bike adventure rather than a riding bike. The short 31 mile day trip ended up taking 5.5 hours, arriving totally exhausted at the overnight campsite and so far this section being the most physically demanding day yet!
It Was Far Worse And Steeper Than What It Looks!!
The lovely setting of the campsite made up for the days intense exertions. Some families also drove up in their off-road vehicles for an afternoon picnic and started sharing food and drinks, which I happily accepted. No chilly beans for a change!
The route continued in a Southerly direction toward Abiquiu. Finally getting to lower elevations, which also brought warmer temperatures and no need for woolen socks anymore.
Road To Abiquiu And Signs Of Past Forest Fires
Abiquiu Campsite
Decided to take an alternative route from Abiquiu to Grants as there was a possible chance of flooded back roads. The bonus of not traveling on lonely back roads is the choice of foods. It's a nice break from the daily "Peanut Butter & Marmalade" sandwiches!!
Good thing I stopped in the night before, as it was closed for breakfast!
As hurricane Kay was coming up the coast of Baja California, it brought an influx of moisture and flooding to the Southwest. With the storm, the daily afternoon thunderstorms also returned and one eye was also fixed on the dark storm clouds, hoping to avoid any downpours.
With the skies opening up, it turned the dirt roads somewhat muddy to Pie Town.
Arriving dry without getting rained on in "Pie Town". Not sure about the word "Town", it might be slightly exaggerated as the population is just over 100!
Might have missed the Pie Town pie festival, but there was no shortage of pies. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner...
Road to Silver City....
In Case Desperation Sets In
Silver City has a rather relaxing atmosphere and so I stayed 2 days. Did I mention that the brewery was right next to the hotel? 😋 Odd Name Perhaps, but what counts is the brew served in the glass...
Tranquilbuzz Coffee House
Murals
Downtown Shops
"Hang Em High" shop caught my eye. Didn't do any shopping!
Got a new rear tire and slime tubes at Gila Hike & Bike, as New Mexico's unofficial state Flower is the "Puncture Vine" which produces a spiky seedpod that looks like a goat head. Those pesky spikes like to feed on bicycle tires and slime tubes are supposed to be self sealing...
With leaving Silver City came the final few days on the road toward the Mexican Border and Antelope Wells, the end of the Great Divide Route.
Last Dirt Road To Be Conquered
It might be a lonely road, still some farmers have their opinions!
"The Great Wall"
Goal Achieved
1800 miles of pedaling, now all that is remaining, is a "cool down" ride to Tuscon 😁
Stage 4 and Finale to follow from further Down the Road...
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