Alpine Hoo Ha
Observer
Cool thanks for the tip. I actually camped near Hayden Pass when I left Leadville. I didn't know there were sand dunes near by though.
Travel vs. Truck - Nathan's Grand ExPoordition
- Thread starter Alpine Hoo Ha
- Start date
thecriscokid
Explorer
I sure hope you are still in Salida.
Please, please go ride that Karate Monkey on the Monarch Crest Trail!!!
I like to camp on Silver (few miles up Poncha pass) wake up, coast (on bike) down Silver creek, hop on the shuttle in Poncha(1-800-871-5145) to the top of Monarch pass and end up back at camp. It is TRULY one of the best trails in Colorado!
The Rainbow trail parallels Silver creek and is also fantastic! 9 miles of the buffest, rolling single tack around. You can get on at the end of the Crest (top of Silver creek) and drops you at the bottom of Silver creek.
Might be nice to stretch those legs a bit.
Please, please go ride that Karate Monkey on the Monarch Crest Trail!!!
I like to camp on Silver (few miles up Poncha pass) wake up, coast (on bike) down Silver creek, hop on the shuttle in Poncha(1-800-871-5145) to the top of Monarch pass and end up back at camp. It is TRULY one of the best trails in Colorado!
The Rainbow trail parallels Silver creek and is also fantastic! 9 miles of the buffest, rolling single tack around. You can get on at the end of the Crest (top of Silver creek) and drops you at the bottom of Silver creek.
Might be nice to stretch those legs a bit.
Alpine Hoo Ha
Observer
Dang, just a hair too late. I was all primed to ride the "Crest", and even got all the info from Absolute Bikes, but after peering into the ol' gas money envelope, I decided I couldn't afford the 20.00 shuttle fee. Instead I bought a Crested Butte area map, and hope to spend a day of no cost riding up there. I will definately be headed back to that area again, and will use the "Camp at Silver and loop it" idea. I had a gut feeling Monarch would be the ticket, and feel like chump for opting out! All the more reason to get back to Salida!
Alpine Hoo Ha
Observer
ExPoordition Update - Salida Remnants and Gunnision Jets
I'd thought I'd snap a few more photos of Salida before I left for fabled and less expensive mountain bike riding in Crested Butte.
Boating down town Salida
A comfy little campsite I used for two nights, just East of Salida
This is a must see bike shop in Salida. There are actually Absolute bikes in Sedona and Flagstaff started by the same guy. Super helpful folks. I talked at length with the owner about his new "belt drive" rig.
USMC V-22 Osprey just landing for high altitude testing in Gunnison.
Another rare and super cool work of art. Epic Aircraft LT
The world's fastest non-military production aircraft - Cessna Citation X
I'd thought I'd snap a few more photos of Salida before I left for fabled and less expensive mountain bike riding in Crested Butte.
Boating down town Salida
A comfy little campsite I used for two nights, just East of Salida
This is a must see bike shop in Salida. There are actually Absolute bikes in Sedona and Flagstaff started by the same guy. Super helpful folks. I talked at length with the owner about his new "belt drive" rig.
USMC V-22 Osprey just landing for high altitude testing in Gunnison.
Another rare and super cool work of art. Epic Aircraft LT
The world's fastest non-military production aircraft - Cessna Citation X
Alpine Hoo Ha
Observer
ExPoordition Update - Crested Butte
After running into Brian McVickers super randomly in Gunnison, and puchasing necessary odds and ends for the truck, I headed North to Crested Butte. But not after snapping a photo of what I understand to be a rare, and newly released ZERO Motorcycles dirt bike.
Once in Crested Butte, I took a quick drive through the main drag, and then consulted my map to find a place to set up camp (in the day light for a change). I settled on Slate River Rd for what looked like interested riding in that direction.
An attempt on vegetable poison soup, that actually worked out.
After running into Brian McVickers super randomly in Gunnison, and puchasing necessary odds and ends for the truck, I headed North to Crested Butte. But not after snapping a photo of what I understand to be a rare, and newly released ZERO Motorcycles dirt bike.
Once in Crested Butte, I took a quick drive through the main drag, and then consulted my map to find a place to set up camp (in the day light for a change). I settled on Slate River Rd for what looked like interested riding in that direction.
An attempt on vegetable poison soup, that actually worked out.
Looks like you are making great progress and it is inspiring to see people out for the adventure.
Salida is one of my favorite mountain towns of all time. Next time you are out there grab lunch at the boathouse cantina which just opened up last summer....good food for a good price. Monarch mountain is known as a Colorado Gem ski resort. Low ticket prices and small crowds. Usually ~$49 all day lift tickets and less than 2 minute lift lines if there are any. Plus tons of tele skiers up there. I have been going to monarch for 12 years and it is my favorite ski area in CO. There is a fair amount of rock climbing near Salida as well if that floats your boat.
Good luck on the adventure.
Salida is one of my favorite mountain towns of all time. Next time you are out there grab lunch at the boathouse cantina which just opened up last summer....good food for a good price. Monarch mountain is known as a Colorado Gem ski resort. Low ticket prices and small crowds. Usually ~$49 all day lift tickets and less than 2 minute lift lines if there are any. Plus tons of tele skiers up there. I have been going to monarch for 12 years and it is my favorite ski area in CO. There is a fair amount of rock climbing near Salida as well if that floats your boat.
Good luck on the adventure.
Alpine Hoo Ha
Observer
ExPoordition Update - Cont.
After a warm and out-of-breath ride on a super easy trail (been sitting in the truck driving too long), I washed up in the creek, and hit the trail for a scenic loop back into town.
A view of MT. Crested Butte, from the little town of Gothic.
It looked like somebody was doing a bit of "Bikepacking" with this Surly Pugsley. With 4" tires the bike was designed as a serious "cross country" touring bike.
http://www.surlybikes.com/pugsley.html
After a warm and out-of-breath ride on a super easy trail (been sitting in the truck driving too long), I washed up in the creek, and hit the trail for a scenic loop back into town.
A view of MT. Crested Butte, from the little town of Gothic.
It looked like somebody was doing a bit of "Bikepacking" with this Surly Pugsley. With 4" tires the bike was designed as a serious "cross country" touring bike.
http://www.surlybikes.com/pugsley.html
Scott Brady
Founder
Great stuff Nathan! I love the aircraft and Surly Mtn. Bike shots.
adrenaline503
Explorer
Mmmmm, Pugsley...
Alpine Hoo Ha
Observer
ExPoordition Update - CB Rain and Flying Monkeys
In a moment of weakness, and despite sound financial wisdom, I let my self through the door of The Pub, in down town Crested Butte. The menu outside said $1.50 fries and $3.00 draft Fat Tires. I figured I could afford that. For some reason the "Pub" was empty, except the bar tender, cook, and bus boy. I rounded out the quartet, to enjoy my fries and beer in pleasant conversation with Chelsea who was tending bar and waitressing. I found this much more relaxing than trying to be socialable yet avoid awkward conversation starters with the "local" hipster crowd that were available at other establishments down the street. Eventually a plan was made for me to join Chelsea and her friend for a go on a local favorite Trail 401. I was a bit intimidated by the 8ish mile climb to 11,000' to join the switch backs for the long single track return via pristine meadows and down hill.
As it turned out thunderstorms and flash flooding had other plans, so we opted to roll the local dirt jumps and pump track.
Chelsea and her friend Pia (I'm pretty sure that was her name...).
Working the roller line.
Airing out the monkey on a little 6 pack. This bike does everything, trials, trails, races, and now dirt jumps. I think this is the first time I'v really jumped a mountain bike.
Cute little kid putting the "big" set to good use.
Mountain air doesn't come free. I guess I was getting a little ambitionous and carried way too much energy on an attempt to run all 3 jumps in the 6 pack. Its good to get a little blood now and then to keep pain in perspective.
In a moment of weakness, and despite sound financial wisdom, I let my self through the door of The Pub, in down town Crested Butte. The menu outside said $1.50 fries and $3.00 draft Fat Tires. I figured I could afford that. For some reason the "Pub" was empty, except the bar tender, cook, and bus boy. I rounded out the quartet, to enjoy my fries and beer in pleasant conversation with Chelsea who was tending bar and waitressing. I found this much more relaxing than trying to be socialable yet avoid awkward conversation starters with the "local" hipster crowd that were available at other establishments down the street. Eventually a plan was made for me to join Chelsea and her friend for a go on a local favorite Trail 401. I was a bit intimidated by the 8ish mile climb to 11,000' to join the switch backs for the long single track return via pristine meadows and down hill.
As it turned out thunderstorms and flash flooding had other plans, so we opted to roll the local dirt jumps and pump track.
Chelsea and her friend Pia (I'm pretty sure that was her name...).
Working the roller line.
Airing out the monkey on a little 6 pack. This bike does everything, trials, trails, races, and now dirt jumps. I think this is the first time I'v really jumped a mountain bike.
Cute little kid putting the "big" set to good use.
Mountain air doesn't come free. I guess I was getting a little ambitionous and carried way too much energy on an attempt to run all 3 jumps in the 6 pack. Its good to get a little blood now and then to keep pain in perspective.
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Scott Brady
Founder
Um, Nathan - looks like you might need a pay advance for more trips to the bar. . .
jeepmedic46
Expedition Leader
:ylsmoke::ylsmoke:,
Scott Brady
Founder
Check out Nathan, rock'in the shallow depth of field (no pun intended 
)
I handed him one of the Olympus kits with essentially no instruction, and off he went. Good job so far!
)
I handed him one of the Olympus kits with essentially no instruction, and off he went. Good job so far!
Alpine Hoo Ha
Observer
I was was just using the "flower" setting. But I'll take credit for any good shots that camera takes.
thecriscokid
Explorer
Airing out the monkey on a little 6 pack. This bike does everything, trials, trails, races, and now dirt jumps. I think this is the first time I'v really jumped a mountain bike.
NICE!
You do know that KM is no jump bike, RIGHT???
Good fun jumping the good ol' two niner.
CB chicks tend to rip too.
Really looks like my kind of trip.
Can you give us a total of cash used so far?
NICE!
You do know that KM is no jump bike, RIGHT???
Good fun jumping the good ol' two niner.
CB chicks tend to rip too.
Really looks like my kind of trip.
Can you give us a total of cash used so far?