Day 18 Montrose, CO to Gunnison, CO  64 miles and 5829 feet of climbing

The minute we rode out of the parking lot of our hotel this morning, we started a gradual climb. At about 6.2 miles, there was an option to do an "out and back." A 7-mile climb in addition to the prescribed route to Gunnison, CO. Triathlete Ken from Florida, who came on this portion of the trip expressly for the climbing did that extra 7-mile climb. As did the British National Men's Cycling Team- Masters Division.

The rest of us were content with the 5800 feet of climbing we needed to do to get to our next destination and a hot shower.

Note: 

I've tried repeatedly to upload some excellent video of the scenery we rode up and over today, but the internet here at our otherwise excellent hotel is not cooperating. So you will just have to visualize John Denver sitting on a mountain top singing, Colorado Rocky Mountain High. I get chills just thinking of it. Of course, that song has gained added relevance lately as Colorado has legalized pot. I did a gig here a year or two ago in the Winter Park area, and my assistant saw a gas station sign that read, "Gas and Grass!"

The scenery all day was green, majestic and beautiful. Streams, green mountain pastures and beautiful blue sky. After the morning climbs, the 30 miles into Gunnison was either flat or slightly downhill.

Gunnison lies thirty minutes south of Crested Butte in the heart of the Rockies. There is much going on in this mountain town. As we rode on Highway 50 toward town, we passed the massive Blue Mesa Reservoir. It is beautiful, and it didn't seem that overrun with people. Perhaps that is because it's considered to be a bit remote. Give it a few years, and I don't think that will be the case.

Gunnison is also home to Western Colorado University. 

We had dinner at a local Italian restaurant. The Brits were somewhat disappointed in the less than gigantic portions that they have become accustomed to being served here in the States. Not to worry, there's an Arby's AND a McDonald's right next to our hotel. For a five-dollar bill, you can get more food then you should ever be allowed to have in one sitting. What a country! God bless America!

Tomorrow we climb Monarch Pass.