Top O' The Day To Ya!
Spring-like temperatures adorn this region again. It's time to pull on some SHORTS and take a bike for a roll. I pointed the bike toward Deer Creek Canyon for a nice little climb. Icy conditions are abating and most of the road is dry of runoff. No cold, wet butt cheeks today.
I stopped toward the top of High Grade Road to shoot a photo. In four more turns, I will be in the small hamlet of Critchell. Good, my legs could use a short breather. However, I still have several miles to the top. Yes, I stopped on a hill, but only for some blog fodder — seriously!
Despite clouds drifting in, it is very warm for February, even at an elevation of 8,500 feet. On top, the snow is rapidly melting.
The descent requires a little care. There is a lot of sand on the road, and the curves are kind of exciting.
I ease up on the gas while descending the steepest part of High Grade Road. Once again, lots of sand lions hanging about. This short segment is probably 12- to 15-percent grade.
It is a delightful cruise down Deer Creek, especially since the sun is shooing away the clouds.
When I reached the bottom and shed a layer, I took this photo of the hogback portal onto the plains.
This is my favorite cottonwood tree on this route. In the summer, its shade is very inviting.
Adios
