Tuesday, September 10 - Gila National Forest

Here’s where we will camp tonight…

Gila National Forest — Valle Tio Vinces Campground

General Notes:

General Notes
There is no garbage service, so you must pack in/pack out.

Closest Stores:
The community of Quemado is small and has a gas station, a convenience store and one restaurant.

 

Activities

Bicycling

Mountain Biking

Great biking is available on the Great Divide Bicycle Route.

Status:OpenDifficulty Level:Difficult

Monday September 9 Destination: Toaster House - Pietown, NM

This is Cami. I was curious about the “Toaster House” on Taylor’s schedule. I did a quick search and found a few photos on facebook - photo credit to Hippie Van Man from January of 2017. This gives me an image of what Taylor and crew will have for accommodations tonight. From their schedule it looks like they can use showers and toilets at the neighboring Pietown RV park.

I wondered if “Toaster House” was a last name or what…

How does one end up with all those toasters when off the beaten path other than hikers, bikers, travelers…??!?

The Final State -- New Mexico * Saturday Aug 31, 2024 to Friday Sept 6, 2024*

We had a couple days in Carson National Forest, where we had primitive camping. Then on Monday, September 2 we had 2 rented houses with bathrooms, a kitchen and 3 beds. In that kind of situation we draw straws or just take turns for who gets a bed/bedroom and who sleeps on the floor or on a couch — or even still out in their tent.

Wednesday, September 4 — “My bike feed bag is stuffed for this hard day. 47 miles with 5,700 ft of elevation gain on difficult gravel roads." Later “I think I might have cell service tonight in Cuba NM.”

Above - sunset Friday evening at Hunter’s Camp - dispersed camping with no services. Cami leaves in a week to pick me up from El Paso.

From Creek to Creek to Wood and River -- August 26 - August 28, 2024

When Cami left on Monday, August 26 we biked nearly 4,000 feet in elevation and 42 miles to Tomichi Creek Trading Post in Sargents, CO. We had to stop mid-ride because of weather. “Drinking water in a bar waiting/hoping the storms pass soon.” When Cami and I did the West to East bike trip we camped overnight at the Tomichi Creek campground.

Above is a mystery photo. It arrived in a text to Cami at 5:47am on Monday Aug 26 but that was when we were in Salida and hadn’t left yet…so…hhmmm…but it is lovely!

Tuesday, August 27 — “I will be out of service for the next few days.”

Wednesday, August 28 — “I do have cell service tonight. Feel free to call if able.”

“Nite. Nite.”

Monday, August 26 - Cami heads home and the cyclists head to Tomachi Creek Trading Post

Time to bike again! A new map and a new stretch of road to discover. It was a wonderful and truly memorable time with Cami, Chet, Kelsi and Kora. I am inspired to complete the remaining 1/3rd of the trip. Only about 3 weeks left of our adventure!

After breakfast with the rest of the group, who stayed at a hostel near our hotel, we loaded up the van, got our own gear together, gave Cami hugs and off we went!

Other than a tornado hitting Minneapolis so that no flights could come in or depart for about an hour Monday afternoon, the family travel back home went pretty well. When Cami’s flight to MSP could finally take off, here was the line up of planes waiting for departure!

Sunday in Salida - Rest Day August 25

Cami and I stopped in Salida on our West to East bike trip in 2018 so we were familiar with this happening town with a cool vibe. We walked to town and got a delicious breakfast at The Biker and Baker.

After breakfast we drove Chet and Kelsi to Canon City to meet up with their friend Jen, where they would continue on to Colorado Springs to hang out with her for another day before heading home. On the way into town I can’t believe Cami offered to drive Skyline Drive!! Drop offs on both sides of the 1-lane road.

After coming back from Canon City we enjoyed dinner with the group — and I got my second to last set of maps! Tomorrow we ride again!

Hartsel, CO to Salida, CO -- Aaah...a rest day with the family!

Saturday morning I took off by bike with my crew, headed for Salida. Chet and Kelsi left in the rental mini-van to head to Salida as well — but on Kora’s schedule. Cami hung out with the Adventure Cycling leaders, getting set up to borrow a bike and ride the last portion of the day’s route into Salida with me.

Cami and Denny drove past us on our bike route and waited at about 10,000ft about 13 miles outside Salida, so that when we arrived at this spot Cami could join us for the final descent into town. If you look closely at this photo you can see some of the collegiate peaks in the background.

It was a hard 40 miles of climbing to the rendezvous point. Eric and I arrived together.

The descent on gravel was challenging as well. After about 5 minutes of the downhill Cami said, “Taylor, if the whole thing is like this all the way into Salida…this isn’t really fun.” Braking nearly the whole way, on gravel, through some shortlived rain, and significant wind - Cami got a taste of the Great Divide with us!

The leaders made sure she had the reflector on and thanks to Denny’s idea and generosity Cami enjoyed a safe and memorable ride down. She encouraged, “Make sure to stop and look around and take pictures!”

Made it to Salida and the Woodland Motel! Our 2 bedroom worked out great for us and the kids.

We arrived Saturday afternoon, walked around a bit down by the riverside and through the park. It’s a great place for people watching as there are people tubing, kayaking, floating and even surfing in various spots.

Kora loved the park!

Later we got dinner at the Sherpa Cafe and used the motel hot tub! No biking for me tomorrow!

I've been waiting a long time for this day... Thursday, August 22, 2024

Cami, Chet, Kelsi and Kora made the trip to meet me in Colorado! This was the first time I had seen my family in persson since I left home on July 11 on the Amtrak.

From what I learned, Cami drove to Rochester Wednesday night to stay at Chet’s and be ready for travel on Thursday. When she got in bed she started to think about…and worry about…the altitude adjustment for Kora.

A quick search on the internet had conflicting advice but at least a couple said do not have a child under 2 sleep at elevations over 6,500ft. Others said 9,000ft. Some said it would not be a problem for a child older than 3 months (and Kora is almost 5) and most said to acclimate slowly.

Well, going from Minnesota to Silverthorne, CO at 9,000ft in one day and sleeping there seemed a bit risky. Kora and fam stayed with Cami’s cousin Joy outside Denver to acclimate overnight at about 5,000ft, but Cami (hesitantly and with significant anxiety and a plan to descend back to Denver if need be even in the middle of the night) continued the mountainous drive to Silverthorne. Yay!

It was already a special night since we were staying inside at a hostel - the Pad - then to have Cami there?!? Fabulous! She got to have dinner with me and the rest of my cyclist friends.

The next morning when I left again on my bike Cami drove back down the mountain to pick up Chet, Kelsi and Kora and begin another mountainous drive to Hartsel Ranch. At least everyone had been at elevation now for 24 hours without issue.

A litle rest stop to get Kora out of her car seat — and treats for the grownups — on the way to Hartsel.

Once checked in at the ranch, they rested and waited for me to arrive. Remember, I still had not seen Chet, Kelsi and Kora yet. It was around 2pm, Kora was napping, and Cami and Chet walked on the road toward town, thinking I would arrive soon. They didn’t want to get too far, so they turned around and when they looked out they saw me and a few other bikers coming down a hill they didn’t expect. Soon I was heartily greeted by Cami and Chet.

Before long Kora was awake and ready to greet grandpa, too!

While we all ate dinner together with the whole Adventure Cycling group a storm blew through, but typical of Colorado weather “if you don’t like the weather just wait a few minutes.” The rainbows were spectacular!

Scenes from along the way...Steamboat Springs, CO to Kremling, CO — Sunday, Aug 18-Wednesday, Aug 21

We had a rest day in Steamboat Springs, then on Monday we biked 51 miles to Stagecoach Lake for a view like this…

Tuesday was a short day of 23 miles. Wednesday we climbed 3,500 feet in 42 miles. Thursday we will continue our climb into Silverthorne and sleep at 9,000 feet — and Cami, Chet, Kelsi and Kora will arrive in Colorado to spend a few days with me!

Of course I needed a picture with the Taylor Mountain sign! :)

Climbing…

No Services...No Water...No Toilet - Friday, August 9 to Thursday, August 15

When we left the Tetons we headed into a more primitive/less developed area where services and cell service were scarce. Friday and Saturday were each 51 mile biking days.

On Sunday we encounter some rain and thunderstorms, that forced us to shelter under a bridge.

Here and there my messages would get through: “Nite Nite! Hope you had a good day at TC. It’s Monday night.”

And “On the bike about 30 miles in. Much love to you! No cell service tonight. BUMMER!”

Then suddenly “Hey! I’ve got WIFI for a bit” — It was fun and memorable that while biking through the Great Basin - where I could see no trees, buildings or any development in any direction that I looked - that my cell phone suddenly started receiving texts and messages. I immediately stopped and called Cami at work to say “Hi” before continuing on.

Thursday morning leaving A & M Reservoir - destination Western Hills RV Park in Wymoning. Starting out on a 58 mile day.

Warm River Campground, Idaho to Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming - Monday, August 5 to Thursday August 8

We managed to grab a shower at a local pool - and boy, did that feel good.

But even cooler than that was seeing this guy come through our campsite!

On Monday Aug 5 my biking partner Peter and I stopped for a lovely view and latte. We got some group grocery shopping done in Ashton, ID; then completed our 40 mile bike day at Grassy Lake campground, our first stop in Wyoming on Tuesday Aug 6.

Storms rolled through on Tuesday. “Off the bike for the day. One storm on the bike. Others rolling through. Got my tent up in-between.

Here was a view at the start of the day on Wednesday, with the Grand Tetons in the background. “…that’s where we are going…”

“Getting closer…”

Wednesday was a short 25 mile biking day to Colter Bay Campground in the Grand Tetons. We had showers, wifi, cell reception and laundry! yay! It was a great place to have an extra rest day on Thursday. “Everyone else went shopping while the leaders and I went to the hot springs.”

A beautiful end to a much needed and much enjoyed rest day…

Montana into Idaho - August 1 to August 4, 2024

We’re getting closer to the border of Montanta and Idaho. We pedaled past a lot of cows on Friday, some flatter dirt road stretches, then I was off the bike by early afternoon.

We stayed at the Stockyard Inn in Dell, MT. “I am being cared for in the manner I am acustomed to!” ha!

On Saturday the 3rd we left early to do the 16 mile climb before the heat really hit and so that we were not in the heat as long. It was a 63 mile day of hot and tough gravel, but we ended the day with dinner and a great campsite on the backside of Yellowstone.