Days 20-22 Salida to Breckenridge Another 100 tough miles to the Finish Line

Leaving Salida, we embarked on a 3000 foot climb in the first 9 miles. The landscape changed quickly as we climbed past the majestic Collegiates bordering the heart of the Rockies in Chaffee County and crossed into barren and virtually treeless Park County. Across the tundra-like slopes, a seeming forelorn and forgotten land stretched as far as we could see. RVs - many abandoned - eerily emerged in the desolate horizon, the seeming footprints left by disillusioned seekers of a mountain home after facing the harsh reality of a dry and lonesome existence.

Passing southbound Tour Divide riders blazing past us inspired us to pedal on. Upon reaching the Badger Basin gas station and convenience store following a bumpy ride into 20 - 30 mph headwinds at the junction of highway 9 in the late afternoon, we savored a cold drink and a snack. Rather than spending another night in a tent, we opted to stay in swanky Hartsel Lodge, where we were treated to a delicious gourmet dinner, a comfy bed and big screen television as a preview of the comforts ahead following the last day of our Great Divide Mountain Bike Ride.

The next and final day, we faced more headwinds and rock laden gravel roads as we rode toward Como, Colorado. I lost my can of bear spray somewhere along the way, bouncing out of the holder when we rattled over the washboard road.

After climbing up to the 11,500 ft Boreas Pass toward the home stretch of this odyssey, we exhaled while rolling the final eight miles into downtown Breckenridge. We completed the 1,000 or so miles of this leg in three weeks and the roughly 2770 miles of the GDMBR in roughly 50 days over four separate segments. This journey was tough, filled with moments of frustration and triumph. While incredibly grateful to have met amazing uplifting people and seen so many interesting and scenic places along the route, we are more than a little relieved and happy to again enjoy the comforts of everyday life, now with more appreciation than before.