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, day 33 on the 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), while reaching a maximum speed of 43 km/h (27 mph). During this ride the average temperature was 26 °C (79 °F) with a minimum of 9 °C (48 °F) and a maximum of 39 °C (102 °F).

Totals: So far, it took 9 days, 17 hours, 26 minutes, and 12 seconds of cycling time to cover 3410 km (2119 miles), including 40368 m (132447 ft) elevation gain, with an average speed of 14.9 km/h (9.2 mph).

Today we will be climbing the highest pass on the route, Indiana Pass. It involves a 17km (10.5 miles) long climb, where we need to gain over 1000m (3281 ft) of elevation. We love climbing in the morning because of the nice temperatures. Therefor, we set our alarms clocks at 6am again. It was cold outside when we got out of our beds. Fortunately, the sun was already rising, and by the time we cleaned up, got breakfast, and prepared the bikes, the temperature was already a lot better. Just before we finished getting ready, a car came onto the property. It was a guy with his son, and they unloaded an ATV (All Terrain Vehicle). They were close relatives of the owner and where there for hunting. Today, Sep 2nd, was the start of the hunting season. He asked for a specific key which was for a second gate on the property. We had seen that key; it was hanging above the dining table. He also confirmed that Kevin made everything himself. He is a special man.

We left the property and immediately started the climb to Indiana Pass. We cycled in the sun, and the temperature rose so quickly that within 10 minutes we had to remove some layers of clothes. 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. We had to go through pine and aspen forests and had great views of the surrounding mountains. Because of the start of the hunting season, it was quite busy on the road. We also saw many RVs parked in the area. Almost all people were very friendly, many asking if we were doing OK, and some even asking if we needed anything. At 10:30am we arrived at the top of Indiana Pass. Unfortunately, there was no sign at all that showed proof of our efforts.

After India Pass there was no real downhill. We went uphill, downhill, and it kept repeating. At some point, 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 orange/brown dirty water (although the water level was quite low). I have read before that if birds drink from / bath in that pool, they will die. The road continued going up- and down, and eventually we were at the second climb of today. Fortunately, this one was a lot shorter. After completing it we finally got a long downhill. We had to be careful because of traffic and road conditions. All went well and we enjoyed the downhill.

After the second, came a third climb. It took more effort compared to the second climb and at the end we started to feel our legs. After another enjoyable downhill, at 2pm we arrived at Platoro. We went to the building that had a big sign ‘cafe’ and enjoyed a burger with fries. While eating our meal we studied the map and decided to continue to a campground close to Horca, about 35km (22 miles) further.

Around 3:45pm we left Platoro. The first couple of kilometers we still had some tough climbs, but after that it was more downhill than uphill. Halfway our ride we came through another small settlement and checked upon the local convenience store. It had already closed. Two men from a cabin across the sore came to see us. We had a small chat, and than the offered us bottled water. Although we still had some, we also learned to always fill up on good water when you can. They also offered snacks, and even dinner. But we had to get to Horca before dark. We thanked them for their kindness and continued our ride. After more (downhill) miles we arrived at Horca. Again, a very small community. It had a fishing / art / gift / convenience store, but it had already closed. There were two campground and we decided to first check out the commercial one. If that would not be OK, we would use the local Elk Creek Campground. When riding out of town, there was a sign that a general store was opening soon. Anna checked out if they already had some services, and 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 us to stay at their business place (Red Bear Haus). They let us in, we could lock the doors, use the restrooms, do laundry, etc. They went to their home and in complete trust they let us stay over there. Thank you!

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