Today is the day we climb Hoosier Pass. This pass is the highest on the TransAmerican route at 11,542 feet. At this height we always need to be concerned with elevation gain. There was no opportunity to get acclimated. A week ago we were less than 3000 feet. Two days again at 5400 feet.
The day began with a 6 mile warmup climb from Fairplay to Alma along a bike trail. It was the worst trail possible. Too many bumps. Rim jarring bumps. Once in Alma we are already over 10,000 feet. Only 6 more miles to go to Hoosier Pass. Six miles and 1,500 feet in elevation gain. It is a lot in the thin air. The road was crappy with no shoulders but the drivers were great. They gave us plenty of room as we slowly make our way up the mountain at 4.5 mph. As we were climbing dark clouds were coming in and as I made it to the top a bolt of lightening hit not too far away.
We took the obligatory photos at the top but also waited for the rain clouds to move away to the north east. Once that was done it was downhill for 10 miles to Breckenridge. The first 5 miles were filled to step declines and switchbacks where cars had to slow to 10 mph. The next 5 miles were straighter and flatter.
Once in Breckenridge the first order of business was to take my bike to a bike store for repairs. I need more than my lowest gear in the front. The first bike store couldn’t look at it for 2 days. The second was better and looked at it immediately. They were able to make some repairs in that they got the chain on the middle ring, but that was it for they did not have time to look at it further. They did not charge me for this modest repair. From the bike store it was onto Frisco to where we were staying for the night. It was 5:30 by the time we got to Frisco and the place we were staying was next to a street fair that had a BBQ contest going on. BBQ and beers, what could be better?
Today’s stats: total mileage 35.16 miles, average speed 11.0 mph, elevation 2051 feet, elevation loss 2848 feet, max speed 33.6 mph.