All day yesterday into just b4 sleep time I checked the weather forecast for Ridgway as I wanted to drive down here to ride the RAT ( Ridgway Area Trails). This AM the forecast called for 20% scattered snow showers and in the 50s. I captained my van to said town. Skies cleared off as the afternoon aged.
Visited at Ridgway Wrench, young proprietor, shared several trails to be sure to ride going down. Drove out to created parking at TH. Deja vu all over again as the road seemed familiar as I previously stayed overnight nearby.
High desert forest, low 7,000′, juniper, pine, scrub oak. Trails are all hand built legal. Trail intersections were signed with a local map indicating you were here. Elevation is above my body’s ability to absorb sufficient oxygen to sustain much of a climb, esp when the climb is right out of the start. A rider caught up with me when I had stopped. Struck up a conversation. He changed his planed route as we talked. I asked if I could follow and he said catch my wheel. 57yo local rider, David. Always great to follow a local who knows the system. Our ride did touch the road where I camped during last visit. More about that later.
Trails were dry and firm. The above is what the trails are made out of. Phil’s World at Cortez seems similar.
Views of the mountains are spectacular. Fresh snow from yesterday’s covering. Teluride is in them hills somewhere.
And, Yes, it did turn out to be that I did stay here up spur off road at TH. That time during a visit to a now closed bike shop I was told about this road an pull outs. That night forecast called for little chance of a skiff of snow. I scored a flat spot just up off the road but slightly downhill from main road down. Well, it snowed maybe 4″ of wet snow during the night. My tires are M&S offering a bit of traction. Getting out was backing up that slight hill then spinning a turn to head down hill. It took me 3 runs packing a tread to reach that turn around spot. Made it. Tonight is to be clear and below freezing. History. Tonight I am staying almost on that spot.
I plan on riding here again tomorrow. Hunters are about. did startle 3 mulies. I did wear my orange long sleeve jersey and let the bell ring. Did not encounter any of them.
A late season forest fire is burning nearby. A fire camp has been set up in the fairgrounds right next to town.