This is another classic road ride in Colorado. It is the third highest
paved road in the state. The access city to the this ride is Buena
Vista, and it's entrance sign reads "Now this is Colorado!" It is true,
as some of the best whitewater boating is found here, as well as the
Sawatch Mountain Range. In addition, there are multiple hot springs
scattered throughout the area, to soak in after a Colorado adventure.
The setting for the start of this ride is one of grandeur. The Sawatch
Range extends from Vail to Salida and contains 15 peaks over 14,000
feet, (4267meters), in elevation. The Cottonwood Pass road winds
Directly over this wall. The road is flanked by fourteeners, and is
thick with aspen tree's. The switchbacks are curved beautifully, and
the straightaways are steep. Compared to a bunch of the other Passes
that I have ridden in the state, this one has some of the steepest
sections that I have found. Couple that with riding at 10,000' to
12,000', (3,000 - 3,600 meters) elevation, the climbing is demanding.
It is about 19 miles, (31km) to the summit from Buena Vista, with most
of the climbing coming in the last 8 miles, (12km). This Cottonwood
Pass ride is a top-notch representation of pass-riding at it's best.
And I found out there was a nice bonus on the other side of the Pass, a
smooth dirt descent into Taylor Park.
I have been on most roads in Colorado, so when I can summit not only a
new Pass, but a road never traveled, it adds incredible excitement to
the adventure. I was really looking forward to this one, and knew that
it would be challenging, as they all are. I was not disappointed at
all; in fact I was totally amazed. The switchbacks started at about
mile 15, (24km) and the rest of the ride was just that, sweet
switchbacks!
The final push was hard, but when you can see the summit ahead,
adrenilene takes over. The usual welcoming committee of drivers who had
passed me on the way up were, out of their cars and cheering me on to
the top. It is always great to talk to people after working it hard on
the wheel, they are always happy and amazed. The west side of the pass
was masked in fog and a light mist was falling. The temperature was
around 45 F, (7C), very refreshing for a few minutes to stop and enjoy
the splendor of the Colorado High Country. From the summit, at least 8
fourteeners are visable, towering above the vibrant, lush, green
valleys below. The recent rains in the high country have made the
flowers, and tundra go off. I wanted to stay up high longer, so like a
crazed climber, I rode down the west side about 5 miles, (8km). The
west side is packed dirt, and when wet, was wonderful spinning and
grinning😄 Around 1,000', (305meters) lower in elevation is where I
turned around and headed back up to the summit.
Again reaching the summit I found more spectators with mouths open. I
smiled, said a few prayers of thankfulness, and headed back down to
B.V. The descent was awesome, l loved the switchbacks and the banked
complexity of them. The temperature rose the lower I got, and for some
reason the wind was behind me. It's typical for the wind to blow up
canyon during the heat of the day. About 2/3 of the way down, I heard a
rock fall coming down on the opposite side of the road from me. I
looked to see if I had to make a quick move, and there on the steep
rocky hillside was a herd of Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep. I stopped
and took some photos, and continued on my way, as they didnt seem to
happy with me. I was astonished at how they could manuever on the
steep, loose, rocky mountainside.
Cottonwood Pass is a must for climbers, challenging terrain with
incredible views. Lots of wildlife for your viewing pleasure, and fresh
streams close by to cool off in. I am grateful that I made it, and
enjoyed most of it, some of the climbing hurt. I made it back to Aspen
with minutes to spare before the skys opened up with a violent
hail/thunder/rain storm. Peace.
Stats:
Total climbing 10,930' 5,465' up/down (3,332meters 1666 up/down)
Hours riding 5 hours
Distance 48 miles (77km)
Average Heart Rate 144 bpm
Average Temp. 50F (10C)
Summit Elevation 12,126' (3696 meters)
GB4 36er no brakes, 175 cranks
I am going to attach some photos, enjoy them! The first one is going
down the west side on the dirt road.
+-------------------------------------------------------------------+
|Filename: Cottonwood Pass 07 3001DSCN5762.JPG |
|Download: http://www.unicyclist.com/attachment/21304 |
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aspenmike
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