Day 26 90 miles 4433 feet of climbing 11.8 ave

Alamoso CO to Pagosa Springs CO

The dues we paid with the torturous winds Monday were payment for two perfect cycling days in a row. Both days were sunny with no chance of rain and only moderate winds of 15mph.

Tuesday we reached the highest point we will attain on this cross-country tour 10,800’ at Wolf Creek Pass. Here also is the place we crossed the Continental Divide. At the summit a bronze bar embedded in the asphalt marks the spot where the country’s rain is separated east and west.

Tuesday’s first 15 miles were flat riding on the valley’s floor as we approached the climb to the summit. The views up the 10-mile climb were spectacular to say the least. The grade was moderate and we had a large shoulder for most of the climb. Along the winding switchback road we pass through two tunnels carved into the mountain.

As we gained elevation the snow started to appear on the ground. Once we reached the Pass at 10,800’ the snow was about 24” deep off the road. The air temperature was about 50-55 degrees.
The route follows the Rio Grande River to its beginnings at the top of the mountain. Here is where the mighty Rio Grande River that separates Texas from Mexico originates. It is incredible to think the crystal clear small streams and creeks formed by snowmelt converge and find their way south 1800 miles to create that river.

At the summit we ate a snack and put on some warm gear. The downhill past the summit was steep and very fast. We had to stay on the brakes the entire time to keep speeds at a reasonable rate. Again the views were something our cameras cannot convey. Spectacular rock formations, waterfalls and panoramic views were everywhere to be seen.


We ended our day at Pagosa Springs Colorado. Here we found the world's largest and deepest hot mineral spring. These springs range in temperature from 85 to 109 degrees. The mineral deposits in the hot water create volcanic looking miniature mountains with water erupting instead of lava.

Some have the distinct smell of sulfur as they flow. People use these springs year round. Imagine coming out of the springs 100+ degree water on a cold winters day.

We pulled up to the first motel to check prices when an couple came up to us and said……” you guys are awesome!” At first we were confused. Are they trying to sell us something?? Then they explained that they had passed us hours ago in their car while we were climbing to the Wolf Creek Summit. Having done some cycling themselves they knew the level of difficulty it took to get the heavy bikes to the top. They also told us they were part of the “Warm Showers” network. These are generous people who offer their homes for sleeping to traveling cyclist. http://www.warmshowers.org/ Again just plain good Americans.