Day #45-Hartsel to Silverthorne, CO 58.5 miles

We took advantage of free camping behind the Highline Cafe and Saloon in Hartsel last night. While the camp spot was barely adequate, the saloon/cafe was a pleasant surprise.  We started the day with a good breakfast at a reasonable price. My fears about altitude and digestive problems had eased after I got an equally good sandwich at the saloon yesterday afternoon with no ill effects. 

The main event today was the climb to Hoosier  Pass.  As I mentioned we’d been gaining elevation ever since we entered Colorado.  Yesterday we climbed 3000’.  Today we climb another 3000’.  The climb covers ten miles from the town of Fairplay to the summit.  Many sections were not particularly steep but at altitude it was slow going. The weather thankfully was not a factor.  There’s no shoulder for much of the climb so cars whizzing by was part of the thrill too.  Descending was a thrill! Five miles of no pedaling!  Due to the many switchbacks on the north side,  bikes could go about as fast as the cars.  We cruised in to Breckinridge and found celebratory coffee!  Breckinridge is an upscale ski town that’s far removed from the atmosphere we left in tiny Hartsel.

We continued on to Dillon, CO where a replacement saddle was waiting for me at the REI store.  Steve’s phone quit on him so he was hoping to find a replacement here as well.  

We’re camping in at the local Days Inn.