Rustic to Walden Colorado today- a challenging day with a climb up and over Cameron Pass. A total of 56 miles with 3160 feet of elevation gain. We climbed from Rustic at 7,100 feet to the pass at 10,250 feet and then down to Walden at 8,095 feet. The climb to the pass was pretty consistently UP for 20 miles, averaging maybe 2% with some sections at 5% all the way to 8%. Wind was not bad and the day was sunny, starting in the low 60s, so conditions were good for the ride. And it was beautiful- continuing to follow the Poudre river up to to the pass. Getting near the top it was great to see the snow capped peaks of the Rockies appear. Than and I stopped around 9,300 ft altitude for a much needed break, than pushed through to the top. Not much snow at the pass, but the surrounding peaks still had plenty of snow. At the pass we ate lunch with Timmie who had arrived before us and had a good rest before doing the relatively easy descent towards Walden. The Poudre River Valley we were climbing through showed consistent scars of the 2020 fire but by the time we got to the pass and then the descent, no more signs of the fire.
I was surprised at the number of dwellings in this valley as we were climbing up to the pass. No towns, but along the road there were periodically these isolated cabins with spectacular views, as you could imagine. And then there was the occasional camping ground/RV park. But all in all it is a pretty isolated area. I would hate to have an accident here, imagine it would take awhile to get an emergency team in there. No cell service so impossible to call for help. This is why we are traveling in groups!! At Walden, we were going to stay at the Public Park there, but the restrooms were closed and so ACA put us up in a hotel for the night. We can do without showers, but not without toilets, particularly for the 3 women in the group. It was Dan and I’s turn to cook so we did our shopping at the local Super grocery store- fried rice with mushrooms and onions, chicken thighs on the side for the meat eaters and a green salad, with ice cream sundaes for dessert. Not bad!
The weather in these parts seems to be good in the morning and early afternoon, but thunderstorms tend to appear in the later afternoon, with high winds at times. We all want to get started early on the ride so we can finish before the rain comes. Today several of us arrived well before the rain but some of the later arrivals got caught in a rain shower. All in all, everyone was thrilled with today’s ride- beautiful scenery, a good hill climbing challenge. We are all glad to be in the Rockies!
Here are the RidewithGPS stats:
Biking across the USA with Mike 
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