We rolled out of Ridgway at 7:00 a.m. in cool, comfortable temperatures, happy to leave the smoke and burning ridges behind us. The forecast called for favorable tailwinds, and it didn't disappoint.
Our first stop was Montrose, where we enjoyed our "second breakfast" at Ray's Corner Café before turning east toward Gunnison.
The day featured two long climbs, but the tailwind made them much more enjoyable. We rode alongside Blue Mesa Reservoir, where the water level looked noticeably low, exposing large stretches of shoreline.
A smoky haze was visible throughout the day, softening the mountain views, but fortunately it never affected our breathing or our ride. Dinner at Sky Thai Pho & Sushi. Sleep, ride, eat is the cadence.
Tomorrow brings one of the highlights of the trip as we climb over the Continental Divide.
