We left Botts Campground and started riding up SR39 (State Route 39). Some parts were 1% (not so steep) and some parts were 8%.
Our lungs were working harder than usual because we climbed 3800ft up to the summit at 9000ft. I drank 4 liters of water and took 5 electrolyte capsules throughout the day just in case.
The landscapes are alpine forest with a bonus of wildflowers. I think the white trees are Aspen but they could be Birch.
We made it to Monte Cristo campground knowing it was full already (it is the weekend). Luckily the camp host Mike and his faithful dog Schnapps let us sleep in the meadow next to the campground. His name is Schnapps because “I got addicted to it when I was in Germany”.
The close crack of lightning and thundershowers directly overhead made for a dramatic evening.
Next we join the actual “Golden Gravel” route in a dirt section.
Brutal ride! And at that altitude – you’re to be congratulated.
And Claude.ai confirms that those are quaking aspens. They used to be perfectly calm aspens, but a lot has changed since the last election.