odometer: 1540 – 1621 ( 81 miles, 130 kilometers )
elevation: 2032 – 2306 meters
The hostel provided a good bed, clean washrooms, and an interesting atmosphere at a good price. I likely am too old to really feel at home in a hostel. They all seem to be run and attended by much more interesting people than me. The hosts all seem a bit artsy/hippy-ish with an unspoken etiquette that I haven’t figured out yet.
I made the decision not to follow the GDMBR. By doing so I avoided having to climb to the summit of the Marshal Pass at over 10,000 feet. Instead I will follow highway 285 to close the border of New Mexico.
Following 285 south out of Salida takes you through the Poncha Pass. At 9,010 feet it was plenty high for me. Believe me.. I won’t regret climbing an additional 1000 feet.
The summits of passes normally are not very scenic. They are generally the lowest point where people can travel through a mountainous obstacle. Typically mountains tower on either side of the pass blocking any possible view of the valleys below.
The approach to the pass can be seen by a break in the tree line – a clearing where there was only incline and trees before. When riding your bike you know the end of hours of toiling is close.
What is really interesting about passes is how they are like gateways. When you pass through them you are often presented with different geography, weather, plants and animals.
The Poncha Pass divided hilly treed land with many streams and creeks with the plateau, the flattest land that I have seen since crossing the prairies. The elevation reading on on my GPS varied only a few meters over 50 miles.
The day was divided accordingly.The morning was consumed by climbing the pass. I had lunch at a nice little cafe in… The remainder of the day I rode across the plateau fighting the headwind.
I arrived in Alamosa just before 7 pm and had supper at an IHop. I will be staying at an old dilapidated motel that I was told is going out of business.All I need is a good night’s sleep – it will fit the bill.
I think you are making wise choices, avoiding the monster climbs for no better reason than saying “I have done it!”