Day 13: Grand Mesa

Yesterday (Wednesday, July 26th) I rode from Glenwood Springs to Ouray via the Grand Mesa Scenic Byway, my last full day in Colorado.

I started in Glenwood Springs and ventured south off I 70 to Ouray, via Grand Mesa. A great journey with a different vibe from mountains. Overall a great ride (good twisties) and scenery.

After dropping down to the desert, I discovered two things that are different when it is really hot. And it was really hot! One, tar they used to fix cracks in the road becomes quite slippery! Fortunately, I was able to use caution without incident. The second thing I discovered is that gasoline in your tank expands. After topping off to the brim and heading on down the road, I discovered gas pouring from my tank lid down my bike onto my hot exhaust pipes. Fortunately I was able to avoid any problems, but it took quite a bit of effort and three gasoline soaked towels, to get it down to her level where it wouldn’t pour out.

Ironically, the place I stayed in Ouray was the exact same place we stayed on a family vacation back in the 90s. It was a combination SW tour and dude ranch vacation. The Matterhorn Inn. It hasn’t changed much is a 25 years.

I logged 205 miles today going up and over the mountain bringing my total to 3251 miles.