Tell-you're-Ride...Such a blast

About a month ago, Olson and I were talking about taking another road trip after our successful and super fun time last fall where we toured the west.  However, we didn’t have as much time, and wanted to go someplace we hadn’t been.  Additionally, after getting totally rained out last fall and not getting the miles of riding in Colorado that I wanted, I was looking for a bit of redemption.  Olson mentioned Telluride since a few Doc friends of her from work had places there and I’d never been…  She found a VRBO place in downtown Telluride 200 yards from the free gondola so the plan was hatched.  Within milliseconds, I was doing my trail research planning my assault on some sweet mtb trails.

About a week before we left, a check of the weather was not looking good…f*&K.  Really?  Can I get a freaking break here Mother Nature?

On our drive up Monday, we encountered plenty of rain in AZ and consistent rain from Cortez to Telluride.  Luckily, it let up late in the afternoon Monday when we arrived.

yeah, that's snow up there

We took the gondola over to Mtn Village and had some dinner at the Tomboy Tavern.

Going up the gondola

So many beer choices..one of each please...

So angry that one...

The next morning, it was time to shred...I decided I'd ride what's referred to as the "Gentlemen's Loop" which starts at the top of the Gondola and takes the Prospect Trail...

my bike hanging precariously outside the gondola

looking down on Telluride

Ready to rip the prospect trail

crosses lots of ski runs

so much water...prospect creek

sweet trail

Jurassic Trail

More Jurassic Trail

Finally back into town after a little less than a 2 hour ride and the Olson was looking to do a hike.  So we decided to hike up bear creek which is a very popular one in Telluride...

where cairns are born and raised

That night we hit up some 1/2 price sushi at Cosmopolitan...so good!

Then took an after dinner ride up the gondola for a nice glass of wine at Alreads... was actually snowing at the top!  (10.5kft)

Sweet ass ride...

Rain, rain, rain

The next morning, I wanted to get up to higher elevation but the threat of rain was significant...I really didn't want to get soaked and struck by lightening but I figured I'd head up past the power plant as far as reasonable...

Old dude in yoga pants

hey baby...wanna feel my spandex?

Views get better as you climb

The power plant and Bridal Veil Falls

Above the power plant and falls

crazy wildflowers

The theme of the day...wet, green, and steep

Looking back on the powerplant on the descent

the money shot...looking down on Telluride

I was up there

After my ride, Olson was itchin' to get out and hike...so we decided to head up the See Forever Trail with hopes to do the loop down the Wasatch Connector and Bear Creek, but the weather got ugly quick... so we ran down...(I need new knees now).

she won the prize...a sketchy old dude...me.

big views

At our turnaround point at the top of see forever trail...storms were headed our way fast!

On Thursday, the weather forecast looked a little better; at least until about noon.  I decided to do a loop somewhat similar to the Gentlemens Loop but more climb and further to the south that followed more of the Telluride 100 course....it was AWESOME...just a little rain right near the end...Perfect.

A grouse...sat very still!

a marmot

Prospect trail crossing the talus field

Turkey mesa trail...

Awesome descent through the aspens...incredible

on my way down to the Illium Valley

It rained like crazy Thursday night so for my last ride, I figured I'd take another run up past the power plant since the road drains well and is pretty rocky...Some fresh snow up there!

It ended up being a great trip...4 days, 4 rides...59 miles, 8200 ft of climbing plus a bunch on foot....Olson hiked her legs off and I got a healthy dose of Colorado mtb riding in...  So many great rides up there; need to plan more trips soon.