June 9, 2014

6/9/14 Alamosa to Cuchara - 65 miles

Got up and out early for the 71 mile ride to Cuchara. My friends Pam & Alison from Austin have a cabin there and invited us to come by and stay. It is pretty much a straight shot from Alamosa on Hwy 160 to La Veta, then Hwy 12 over to Cuchara. What I didn't know as we started was what to expect with regard to the riding conditions on Hwy 160. Also, I wasn't sure  whether the climb to La Veta Pass, elevation 9413 feet, would be in the nature of a long slow incline or a series of steep curvy hills. 

Turns out that today's ride was one of the best of the trip. The first 30 miles on HWY 160 to Fort Garland was a straight, flat road with a 10 ft or so well-paved shoulder. Just plain fun. And the weather was perfect. Clear, blue skies and very little wind. On the way, we passed the turn off to the Great Sand Dunes National Park, which we would see off in the distance. We also saw a business establishment advertising "Cannabis" - legalized marijuana. Don't see that every day. We made good time to Fort Garland, and stopped at the local visitor's center for a sandwich, as we were already hungry. The lady volunteer manning the visitor's center came out and offered free coffee. 

We continued towards La Veta Pass on Hwy 160. Again, the riding conditions were near perfect, although the traffic was picking up a bit. That is my one complaint about biking in Colorado - the traffic. The scenery has been some of the best I have seen, and the roads themselves are pretty good. But the traffic is heavier than I prefer. About 10 miles before La Veta Pass, we began the long slow incline towards the top. At best, I was averaging approximately 6-7 mph at that point. LaDonna, to her credit, kept pedaling away, although her legs gave out just as we approached the summit. I think from the residual effects of the 81 mile ride in the wind from Saturday. However, she recovered quickly and enthusiastically executed a celebratory leap into the air.

The ride down to La Veta off the summit was nothing short of spectacular. One of the most beautiful rides ever. The two Grandote Peaks majestically perched in the distance with vast green lush grasslands as far as you could see. All while cruising down at 20-25 mph. This went on for several miles. Approximately 4 miles from La Veta, we turned onto Co Rd 450 and continued cruising the rest of the way into town. Beautiful little farms and animals along the way. The peaks still brilliant in the distance. I felt like I didn't want the feeling to end.

We stopped at a pub on the out skirts of La Veta to grab a bite to eat before continuing the last 11 miles to Cuchara. I called to update Pam on our progress and estimated time of arrival. Alison answered the phone and offered to come pick us up. Since it was going on 4:00 pm, and LaDonna's legs were pretty well shot, we took Alison up on her offer of rescue and gratefully took in scenic Hwy 12 by car. Alison filled us in on interesting tidbits about the community and some of the sites. 

The town of Cuchara consists of a couple of cute businesses and real estate offices on a short steep dirt road. Most famous is the Dog Bar, an establishment that has been there for some time and renowned for dogs that often accompany their owners for dinner. In Cuchara, there is a large Texas contingent of full and part time residents. I know probably 5-6 people from Texas that own cabins or vacation homes. Most of these are rustic cabins with loads of character. Pam & Alison's cabin is the epitome of the Cuchara rustic cabin. A large homey great room with a warm stone fireplace, which Alison expertly maintained. The outside deck is literally right next to a vibrant stream that rushes by with a roar. The cabin has enough room for up to 12-14 people to stay. There is this wonderful loft bedroom with windows that can be opened to allow in the soothing roar of the stream as you sleep. Beautiful birch trees all over the place and great grassy outdoor areas for their kids Savanna and Harrison to play. The kitchen has a large window overlooking the stream, and the kitchen table is another central area where everyone congregates to eat, talk and play board and card games. No television or electronics allowed - one of my favorite rules - and lots of sitting and visiting. Alison's parents, Joyce and Goody, were visiting as well, and some other friends and relatives who have homes in Cuchara dropped by for dinner. Alison, who is a wonderful cook, fixed a fabulous dinner for the 10-12 people there. And made it look effortless - a real gift. After dinner, we sat by the fire and were treated to a mini-concert by Alison. She played the guitar and sang a song she had just performed at friends' wedding last weekend, as well as some original compositions. She has a beautiful voice, and her mother Joyce beamed. At times Alison was enthusiastically accompanied by Harrison, who also proved to have a nice voice. There was such a warm, homey, contented feeling filling the room. Before retiring to bed, there were a couple of hands of "Foolish" - a card game that LaDonna and I were introduced to. I confess I am not much of a card player, and was pretty tired at that point. So, didn't really get it. However, it was fun to watch the others strategize and enjoy playing. 

How could I forget to mention Riley, the family dog, who is the best dog in the world? 

I retired to bed tired, very happy and contented. This is the way life is meant to be shared and lived. 

On Tuesday, we have the option of either staying over another night, or relaxing in the morning and heading for the short ride to Walsenburg in the afternoon to position ourselves for the return ride to Aurora, which should take 4-5 days.