I rode in honor of SPC Steven Baskis today. What a badass he is. Please take a moment to be completely inspired by his story and watch his video. Thank you so much SPC Baskis for not only your service and sacrifice for our country but for inspiring us! You are a hero!
It was rather difficult to crawl out of my comfy bed. I was thankful that I had a morning to truly sleep in and just relax. We had the best breakfast so far at the hotel with waffles, fruits, oatmeal, eggs, bacon… you name it, I had it. I got my fill. Since my bike wasn’t going to be done until afternoon, we asked for a late checkout and I got to plan the next few nights of hotel stays which was nice to have out of the way. This is the biggest headache for me. So it’s one less thing to think about on my ride today. We packed up and headed to the bike shop in Gunnison.
Loco was all ready for me when we got to Double Shot Cyclery . They said my breaks needed adjusting as well as my front wheel. It wasn’t put on properly the last time I put it on. That’s what was making the noise. They fixed my headlight, but said that it was a temporary fix and it needed to go back to the manufacture for a replacement whenever I got home. They even cleaned the road grim off for me. They only charged me $30. I was shocked and very grateful.
I only rode 20 miles today because I started at 3pm. Loco was quiet as a mouse today, thank God. I was very thankful I got her pampered before doing this climb. She would have driven me insane. It took me 3 hours to make the 20 miles to the top. Slow going but I got it done. The first 10 miles was pretty easy to say the least, even with a healthy dose of sidewinds. I was making great time and not struggling. The countryside was dotted with yellow flowers in the meadows and some homes here and there. There was a nice shoulder to ride on which made me feel safe. Traffic was at a minimum, so it was rather peaceful without the road noise.
The climbing began around mile 10. There was no workup to it; just up you go! The climb was a consistent 4-8 % grade all the way up. 3 miles into the climb I had to stop and pull myself together. I had gust of 18mph winds beating me up and my legs were on fire. Thankfully, most of the time I did have a tailwind, but when it came from the side I felt like I was going to be blown over. Then you add a semi passing you and you get some real “Dear Jesus” moments.
I took a break at the sign that says 7 miles to Monarch Pass. After that I decided that I would stop at every mile marker and have a snack and a break. It gave me a goal and something to look forward to and it made me drink and replenish myself.
I put on some loud music and began to find my groove. Kelly passed me a few times and would drive to the next pull off and cheer me on. It was perfect. I needed the encouragement. Unlike Lizard Head Pass, this climb didn’t have a single crest, flat spot, or downhill. NO RELIEF, JUST UP YOU GO! There was no coasting to regain strength, at all. 10.5 miles up the entire way, thank you very much! Oh, and then there is the altitude thing… Kelly had to remind me I was struggling because of the air, well and the UP part too. I did climb almost 3000 ft today. Not too shabby. Honestly, I am proud of myself for doing this regardless of the speed. It was a good day’s work! I was a very happy girl at the top. I was even greeted by a fox that wanted my snacks. We took pictures fast and I loaded the bike on the back of the car. I was at this point freezing. I could have ridden down 5 miles and enjoyed the reward of cruising downhill at great speeds, but it was 6:30pm and my fingers were numb. I need them when I do downhill for my breaks. I just wanted to get to the hotel and warm up. I’m so glad I did. As we drove down I kept thinking of the east to west bound people that have to cycle over this mountain coming the opposite way. There is very little to now shoulder and only two lanes, not three for most of the way up. CRAZY! At least I had a wide shoulder and mostly 3 lanes, so I wasn’t ever holding anyone up as I climbed up at a snails pace. Lord, I would be a bundle of nerves climbing east to west over Monarch Pass.
We made ourselves comfortable in the Monarch Mountain Lodge and then went to their restaurant. I feasted on bbq wings and fries. Happy girl. I did it!!! I climbed Monarch Pass. I do hope to do this ride again in the future.
Thanks again for all who have supported us through your prayers, encouraging texts, and your donations throughout our journey. You’re the best! We appreciate you so much! Thank you also to those who have supported HFOT. Your donations to them help our disabled vets like SPC Steven Baskis get a chance at reclaiming some of their personal freedoms in a new home. Many thanks!
Night y’all, be blessed