Today we rode from a cabin at the base of the climb to Indiana Pass, Colorado, US to Horca, Colorado, US. Sunny weather with very little clouds. Road conditions included gravel roads only. Highlights of the day include climbing Indiana Pass, meeting trail angels and their support.
Riding statistics: on Friday September 2, 2022, the 33rd day on the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route route, it took 11:21h (08:12h moving time), between 07:54 and 19:15, to cover 97 km (60 miles), including 1660 m (5446 ft) elevation gain, with an average speed of 12 km/h (7 mph). During today's ride the average temperature was 26 °C (82 °F) with a minimum of 9 °C (48 °F) and a maximum of 39 °C (108 °F).
Totals: So far, it took 9 days, 16 hours, 12 minutes and 10 seconds of cycling time to cover 3393 km (2108 miles), including 40162 m (131772 ft) elevation gain, with an average speed of 14.8 km/h (9.2 mph).
Leaving the cabin
Today we have to climb Indiana Pass. We wanted to make a start at our usual time, meaning that we got up at 6am. The climb starts directly at the end of the driveway of the cabin and we want to use to cooler temperature of the morning to get us going. Cold it was, for sure. But when having some breakfast and gearing up the bikes the sun was already there. When we almost finished packing up, a car come onto the property, a man + son unloaded an ATV (All Terrain Vehicle) and came to the cabin and knocked. They were close relatives of Kevin (the owner) and where there for hunting. Today Sep 2nd, was the start of the hunting season. He needed a key for a second gate on the property. We knew the key, it was hanging above the dining table. He told us that Kevin indeed made everything himself on the property. He is a special man. We also left, and immediately had to start our climb.
Indiana Pass and additional climbs
Within ten minutes after starting the climb, we already had to take of some layer of clothes. We got warm and we were riding in the sun. It was a very nice climb and we made better progress than expected. We had a good gravel road, sometimes a bit steep, but not too steep. The knee did fine fortunately (I felt it but it worked great). We had to go through pine and aspen forests and had great views of the surrounding mountains. Because of the beginning of the hunting season it was quite busy on the road, but it was all OK and almost all people were very friendly. At 10:30 we were at the top of Indiana Pass. Unfortunately there was no sign at all that showed proof of our excellent effort. There was no downhill. We had ups and downs for quite a while. Eventually we passed Summitville. A (former?) mining area. We already got warned to take enough water (we had each almost 6 liters) because the natural water after India Pass is contaminated (even toxic). The mining area had a large pool of dirty water (although the water level was quite low). I have read before that if birds drink/bath in that pool, they will die. When cycling further we had again some ups and downs and eventually another climb (the second pass). That was fortunately a shorter one, and after completing it, we had our downhill. We had to take care of traffic, and the quality of the road, but did well en enjoyed going downhill. However, we knew there was a third climb for today. That took some effort, and at the end I felt my legs.
Platoro
After the last climb we had an enjoyable downhill, and the downhill ended in a small settlement, Platoro. We went to the building that had a big sign ‘cafe’. We enjoyed a burger and something to drink and studied our map. It was only 2pm so we wanted to make some more mileage and decided to go the a campground close to Horca, about 35km further. We could do so, since from here there was a lot of downhill. We asked for some bike supplies (that was mentioned on our maps) but they only had a few old (26″) products left. They explained that all was bought by the Tour Divide riders earlier this year (2 months ago). So no rear tire for me. I guess it will be OK, we will see. Around 3:45pm we continued our ride. The first couple of kilometers we still had some tough climbs to do, but after that it was more downhill than uphill. Halfway our ride we came through another small settlement, and checked upon the Convenience Store, but it was already closed. Two man came to see us. They were in a cabin across the store. We had a small chat, and than the offered us bottled water. Although we still had some, we also have learned to always fill up on good water if you can. With the water they offered to us we filled our blatters and bottles. They also offered snacks, and even dinner. But unfortunately we had to get to Horca before the sun was down. We don ‘t want to ride in the dark, and we also had to set up our tents. We thanked them for their kindness and continued our ride.
Horca
After some more (downhill) miles we arrived in Horca. Again very small. It had a fishing/art/gift/convenience store but it had already closed. Too bad. We decided we will first checkout a more commercial campground 2km off route, and if that is not OK, we will use the Elk Creek campground next to Horca. When riding out of town, there was a sign that a general store was opening soon. And there were people. After checking out they invited us. We could already purchase some snacks, and they were very easy going. They also had family that were visiting them. They could not sell beer (officially), but they could give free beers to good friends. It tasted well. While chatting and having nice conversations, they offered that we could stay at their business place. They let us in, we could lock the doors, use the restrooms, do laundry, etc. They went to their home and in complete trust that let us stay over there. Instead of having a primitive campsite and no cell phone services at all, we have this great accommodation. Thank you!
Gallery
