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The front range teams rode from the Johnson's Dillon Condo to the Sunshine Cafe to meet the Vermeulens and Breckenridges. At breakfast we decided to ride the west side of the Green Mountain Reservoir on the way out instead of the on the return. We departed Silvertorn at 8:30 in the morning. It was very cool and clear skies when we left Silvertorn. It took awhile to warm up because we were riding downhill along the Blue River. At the north end of town we left the bikeway and entered the highway, which had a very nice smooth wide shoulder for about 10 miles. Then the shoulder narrowed to about two feet, which was still fairly comfortable when riding single file. The five teams rode together for most of the time. By the time we reached the Green Mountain Road turn off we had dropped about 800 feet in elevation. The first 17 miles seemed almost effortless. Green Mountain Road was more a bit more hilly but more peaceful than the highway. We stopped just after the Master Bait & Tackle - Chance Liquor Store to shed tights and jackets. At this point I decided to ride back and photograph the store and sign. The ride around the west side of the reservoir went quickly. Shortly after rejoining Highway 9 the shoulder ended for the next 10 to12 miles. Everyone felt a bit uncomfortable on this section of road. There were highway construction signs and other indicatations of widening efforts starting August 16. We stopped in Kremmling at a covenience store to grab a snack and fluids. From there we rode east on US 40 towards Granby along the Colorado River towards its headwaters. The valley narrowed into the scenic Byers Canyon. We stopped for a very nice lunch at the Pub in Hot Sulphur Springs. From Hot Sulphur Springs it was only 12 miles to Granby. Karen and Gary lead the way through town and up a steep hill to Aunt Mary's home on the east side of town over looking the valley. Aunt Mary and Dr. Bob were seemed very happy to meet us. Dr. Bob lead us to our motel in his Subaru. He saw to it that everyone got checked in. Then he drove Frank and John to pick up some medicine (Chardonnay, Merlot and Beer). We later met Dr. Bob, Aunt Mary, Karen and Gary for dinner at the Longbranch Restaurant. The Longbranch was a multi-ethnic restaurant that serves German, Italian, Mexican and Amercian Cuisine. Aunt Mary and Dr. Bob are the cutest and sweetest couple. Dr. Bob insisted on buying dinner for everyone, he claimed to be an ambassador of the community of Granby. He wanted make sure that we would return. This was a great group ride averaging over 17 mph. The weather was nearly perfect with a cool morning start and warm sunny afternoon finish. The first 40+ miles was mostly downhill along the Blue River losing some 1500 feet of elevation between Silvertorn to Kremmling. The remaining 30+ miles was slightly uphill gaining back about 700 feet along the Colorado River. It nice riding though the two river valleys with views of higher peaks with traces of snow. |
