TR: Riding Paradise Divide (22 July 2009)
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My friend Heather got back into town a week ago- and I am happy she’s back. Heather’s summer has been understandably consumed by planning for her wedding, being in the wedding, and then going on a fabulous road-biking honeymoon in Tuscany. Since Heather and I both had ACL reconstructive surgery 5 days apart from one another, we are more or less on the same recovery plan. Dr. Biem told us we couldn’t ride single track until September, which means most of our friends wouldn’t be riding with us. But, I am glad I have Heather as a riding partner this summer!
This morning we left to go ride Paradise Divide. We left from our houses in Mt. CB, then went up Gothic Road to the top of Schofield Pass. From there, we took a road that wrapped around the backside of Mt. Baldy up to the top of Paradise Divide. From there, we took the road down toward the Slate River valley. But, when this road intersected with the road from Washington Gulch, we climbed up this road, and then descended via Washington Gulch. The total ride time was about 2 hrs and 50 minutes at a moderate pace, not including rests. It was a fabulous ride despite not being single track and is one of my favorite rides I’ve done this season.
Now for some pics….
Emerald lake is always one of my favorite sites along Gothic Rd.
Mt. Baldy towers above the lake.
Heather and I found mobs of people at the top of Schofield Pass. But, the flies seemed to like us more. There were still more flies than people 😉
Looking up toward Paradise Divide, after descending a bit from Schofield Pass.
Heather riding her heart out.
From the top of Paradise Divide, looking back at the road we ascended. Mt. Baldy is to the right in this picture.
I was happy.
This sign has seen some better days!
Heading down from Paradise Divide.
Looking back at Purple, Treasury and Cinnamon.
Such amazing views back here!
Heather, near the end of Washington Gulch road, almost home.
Great day on a great ride with a great riding partner 🙂
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