Texans in Colorado
It is a fact resented by many Coloradans that Texans are pouring into this beautiful Rocky Mountain State, buying up every piece of land possible. In fact, there is a joke some Texans like to toss about over beers and camp-fires; What is Texas’s largest State Park? Colorado.
Well, Colorado, like it or not, last weekend two of the finest Texans you’ll have the pleasure of meeting drove from Fort Worth to Salida for a three day mountain-bike road trip.
James Sanchez and my doppleganger, Keith Gray, arrived last Thursday just in time for dinner. Filling our stomachs with pizza from Moonlight, we met Reilly at the Snowblind Campsite, the other side of Monarch Pass. Joined by Keith “CK” Darner Friday morning, we rolled out for the toughest ride of the weekend; Canyon Creek.
Riding, and for some of us, walking, up and up Tomichi Creek Road, we finally reached the hard part. Though I’ve certainly become very familiar with that monstrous 35-45min hike-a-bike, it never gets easier. Sitting atop Granite Mountain, at over 12,600′, Keith and James were truly in awe.
Borrowing my friend Earl’s Pivot Mach 5.5 full squishy 27.5″ carbon mountain-bike for the weekend, I was able to stay with this crew as we flew down Canyon Creek. Having rained the night before, the traction was incredible, the puddles deep and splashy. Back at camp, we cracked beers and soaked in cold Tomichi Creek. Not a bad way to start a vacation, huh boys?
Driving to Crested Butte that afternoon, we made camp and were joined by another Colorado import and local city planner, Yerman. There may have been some s&*t talking between the Colorado and Texas contingents.
Saturday morning we hit the trails; Teocalli Ridge awaited. Friday afternoon’s burger not sitting well with him, James turned around just a couple of miles into the day. Keith, Reilly and I continued on, riding one of the most enjoyable yet challenging rides you can imagine.
Taking just a 15min break back at camp, we checked in with James then continued on, riding a loop around Strand. Fantastic!
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Just an hour or so away from CB, we jumped in the Gunnison River for a swim before driving to a hill-top campsite at Hartman Rocks. Still full with pizza, we climbed those grippy granite boulders and watched the sun set, ending another spectacular day in the Rocky Mountains.
Feeling back to full form Sunday morning, James was back on the bike. For the next three hours we ripped around those remarkable trails, adding extra trails at every option. The trails of Hartman Rocks really are like nothing else; our Texan friends agreed.
Sunday afternoon we drove back to Salida, jumped in the Arkansas River and had dinner at Amica’s. A perfect end to a great weekend of riding in the Rockies.
Monday morning early, James and Keith began the thirteen hour drive back to Texas. While some bemoan the influx of Texans(and Californians, and New Yorkers, and…and..), I believe people like Keith and James only add to the wonderful nature of this natural playground.
Thanks for the visit boys, we’ll see you soon.
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