Telluride to Hut 1 - Last Dollar

We all awoke about 7:00 Saturday morning feeling pretty good about the journey we were about to embark on. One of the guys at Paragon bike shop said the ride to the first hut would not be very difficult so we were looking forward to starting our day at a leisurely pace.

Our starting altitude was about 8750 feet and the first hut was at just under 11,000 feet. We knew we had about 2700 feet of climbing, but based on the discussion with the bike shop guy we figured it would not be too challenging. In addition, the first day of riding was only 14.7 miles....come on how hard could it be!

After a couple photos and some psychological preparation we headed away from civilization. The first mile or two were on paved road with a climb up to the Telluride Airport. This is the highest commercial airport in America, elevation was about 9000 feet.

To this point the ride had not been too difficult. about 1,000 feet and we were all feeling pretty strong, and a little cocky. Based on our ride for the first couple miles we joked about how difficult the ride would be and that we may have over trained for it.

About 4 miles from the airport we had our first mechanical. A flat in Lawrence's tire. He pulled the tire and tube and found a piece of wire about the same diameter as a small picture hanging nail. The piece was U shaped and so long that it pierced the tire in 2 spots and went through the tube for a total of 4 holes. Larry didn't want to replace the tube because it was his "slime tube" so he tried to patch it. After screwing with the patch we decided to replace the tube and continue on.

The ride continued to be wind through the country side on a road that was basically rolling hills. We would stop at various points and take in the views. 

At about mile 10 we hit the hills. All I can say is I have blocked the terrible climb out of my mind. About half way up I (Chip) lost a bolt for the cleat in my shoe. Every time I went to clip out the cleat would just rotate on the sole of my shoe and prevent me from getting off the pedal. This became incredibly frustrating as we broke the 10,000 foot elevation and had to walk our bikes because we did not have the strength to ride and the road was so rocky and torn up that the bikes would not get traction.

Several of the riders had forged ahead but were still in communication with the radios. Skip and Mike arrived at the hut first. The most difficult part of the ride was the last 100 yards to the hut. From the road we were on you could not see the hut, therefore you could not ride to the hut. You had to hike with your bike the last 100 yards. We were winded from the elevation and ride and now had to climb another hundred yards. We heard Skip and Mike on the radios saying they found the hut and as we crested the peak of our last accent we saw them waving at us. You can't begin to imagine the relief when we knew we were almost there.

Once we got to the hut Rod opened the door and it was kind of what I imagined it to be. The hut was about 16 feet by 16 feet. 2 rows of triple high bunk beds constructed from 2x4s and plywood lined one wall. The other wall had the "pantry" and the 4th wall had the Coleman stove. After deciding where we would sleep and devouring some candy bars and cookies we went back outside to enjoy the view. This hut with out a doubt had the best view. It was situated on top of a hill with a beautiful view of the tree filled valley below.

After resting and eating some dinner we all sat in front of the hut taking in the incredible views and recalling the days activities.

As night grew upon us we each retired to the hut at our leisure. Those that stayed out later were treated to an incredible display of fire and gases. The phenomenon is much like that of the Northern lights, but this happens only after an intestinal tract has become impacted and the only element able to escape is uncontrolled flatulence. The incredible light show begins by the presenter exposing his rectal orafice to an open flame. When the expelled gas is exposed to an open flame you get a ball of flame. Click this link to see a video of a guy who almost set himself on fire performing this stunt....

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