RIDE THE PASSES AND PARTY
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Scott and Gail Smith are sponsoring the 3rd annual bike ride/party on
Sunday, May 16. The Church of the High Pines will truly live up to its name as the ride will start at the Smith's house at 9,000 feet. In previous years riders have chosen various distances but the official ride is to Molas Pass and back.
aRide Details: Ride leaves at
9:45 a.m. from the Smith's house near Purgatory. Within three miles we will be ascending Coal Bank Pass and then descend to our climb up Molas Pass.
Total ride is 32 miles but 3 climbs (you get to come back over the back side of Coal Bank), 13 miles of climbing for 3,200 vertical feet, and will take 2.5 hours plus or minus. Great training ride for the Iron Horse. If you want more you can add 14 miles by dropping into Silverton, or simply turn back earlier for a shorter ride!
aParty Details: As riders get back to the house, showers will be available so bring a change of clothes and a towel.. We have a boiler so there is no way we will run out of hot water. Everyone bring a side dish to share and BYOB. We will provide pulled pork with a Bar-B-Que theme. Lunch to be served on the deck overlooking the mountains around 1:00 to 1:30 once all the riders return. We will definitely need appetizers for the early arrival riders to stave off starvation. Potato salad, baked beans and other salads would be good along with chips and dip.
aOther Details:
Non-riders are welcome! They should plan to arrive around 12:30. Carpooling may be a good idea to avoid two cars having to drive up for the same couple or friend. Riders could meet at Bread at 9:00 a.m. if they wish to hook up there. We have plenty of parking however. Also we will have ice ready before the ride for beer and drinks that you may bring up.
Plan to arrive at 9:30 so we can get organized with the food and drinks before we leave for the ride.
aDirections: Take 550 North about 24 miles from the north end of town. We are in Engineer Village on the right side of the road between mile markers 48 and 49. The Gelande Parking Lot (south of Purgatory resort) is directly across from our entrance. Take an immediate right on Engineer Drive and take the next right on Storm Peak Drive. Travel straight into the Cul-d-sac and park. Our house is 29 Grand Turk Ct just around the corner. It's very easy to find.
aRSVP: If you can come, please RSVP to Scott and Gail at ynot.smith@durangomu.com , with the number in your party. Scott and Gail will plan accordingly!
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