GTV First Loop: Cottonwood Pass and Leadville

Jeff again. In the morning, I saddled up for the climb to Cottonwood Pass, while Melissa followed in the van (after a short road WOD and a quick soak). The ride was a classic Rockies climb, steep in places but overall a perfect grade. Quiet roads and bright Aspens made the climb easy and beautiful.

Back at the hot springs for a soak, then north on to Leadville. On the way the GTV took a bugger of a rock on the windshield, and rather than take any chances we found a glass shop in town that would take care of it for us. While we waited, we got some beta and a map from one of the town’s outdoor shops, and procured a fine pizza at High Mountain Pies while considering options for a long hike the following day.

Mt Elbert and more lovely aspen

The budget closures started to show for us as we tried to find a campground for the night; all of the national forest campgrounds we passed had locked gates. No mind when you are a snail with your home on your back--we simply pulled off of a forest service road near a trail head at Twin Lakes.

A quick ride on the mountain bike up the Colorado Trail gave Flynn his daily run, and we settled in for the night, visions of high mountain passes on our minds…

Day’s Lesson: Pizza should be its own food group.