San Juan Hut Trip - Day 2

We woke up to a beautiful morning on Day 2 of the hut trip. The jagged rocky peaks of the San Juan's towered above wild flower meadows reflected back every color of the rainbow in the warm morning sun. Our route would have us descend from Bolam Pass to around 8500 feet where we crossed the headwaters of the Dolores River then climb back up through the San Miguel mountains to Black Mesa. It was only 28 miles, but it had another 3000 feet of climbing. There was an alternate singletrack route, but we decided it was best for the group not to ride it. We read in the logbook later that everyone that opted for the singletrack had epic days. I got the feeling that the authors weren't the most talented trail riders. In hindsight the best option would have been to split into two groups for those who wanted to descend the singletrack then rejoin and ride the standard route for the climb. Even though it was all on fire roads descending from Bolam Pass was great fun, but we paid for it later with steep climbing and sore asses. Here are my notes from the day:

• Cool night, high altitude, slept great.
• Warm sunlight, rocky peaks, wildflower meadows.
• Back, shoulders, and ass are killing me - no conditioning.
• Egg burrito for breakfast.
• Started riding at 10:00am.

Morning from the Hut Front Door

Route Finding

Group Shot

Heading Out

Andrew in Front of Grizzly Peak

• Lush alpine scenery, quintessential Colorado Mountains.
• First half down hill, second half up hill.
• Climb was long and steep.
• Was slow at high altitude, but felt fitness coming back.

Jo Descending off Bolam Pass

Jean-Paul in Front of Mt. Wilson & Mountain Cabin

A & J

• Reached hut mid-afternoon, weather was perfect.
• Ass is very sore, Body Glide sucks!
• Glad I brought A & D Diaper Cream.
• View from hut is spectacular.

Black Mesa Hut

Improvised IT Band Roller

Jo Stretching

Doug Chillin'

View from Black Mesa Hut

• No Soda, only beer, nothing for me to drink - Argh!
• Joni made great dinner.
• Early to bed.

You can see all the pictures Here

(Day 2, pages 7 -9)