Escalante to Torrey... Day 15 riding MEGA CLIMB (July 23)

After to getting to bed quite early we woke up at about 5:15 to head back to Escalante to begin what would be the biggest (most feet climbed) ride of the trip. To top if off many of the grades exceeded 14%. This was a wicked 65 mile day. Of the 65 miles about 55 were climbing. As a side note, it was beautiful to see the sun come up over the mountain pass!

The ride started off great, we got on the road at about 7AM and had a nice cool tailwind as we began to climb.

As things kept going up and up the temp. warmed to the mid 60's and was very comfortable. We came to a point where the Million Dollar Road project took place. This was CCC project from the 30's that put many to work . They had to blast though rock side after rock side to create this winding crazy road.

The descent was extreme and I had to stop about half way down to let my wheels cool. At this time Rebecca found us and ended up hitching a ride down the canyon to be on the safe side. Andrew had continued down the mountainside and Rebecca dropped me just in front of him since he is a faster climber anyways. This is really where our hellish climb began.

The climb out of the canyon was about 14% and after we cleared the canyon the climb continued in the 9-10% range.

Once we reached the top we came to a pass called the "Hog Back". This is a three mile stretch of road that has cliffs on both sides dropping about 1000 feet. It was not as intimidating as we had thought it would be and was mostly very beautiful.

Rebecca met us about 10 miles later just after the town of Boulder. The steep climb had been continuing this entire time and Andrew and I were really ready for lunch. We stopped at our RV cafe and made some sandwiches. From here we started the next 9-10% climb for the next 10 miles up to about 10,000ft.  This was tough. I was proud I only had to walk for one section to protect my knees.

I have to say that Rebecca is the BEST support EVER on this ride. She followed us up the climb all day stopping every few miles and kept the kids calm. She allowed us to climb light and constantly get the food and drink we needed. I am so greatful for this support. I don't know if I would have made it up otherwise.

The descent was either a climb or a horrific 12% drop. At the end we were greeted by a steady three mile up hill, head wind, bright sun and heat. We were glad to be done. All together it was nearly 8000 feet of climb over 65 miles!

When we arrived Rebecca gave me a hair cut, we watched Little Mermaid and relaxed. It was great!

From Rebecca...

Amazing breakfast at Escalante Outfitters Cafe!

Pic of the rig at the overlook in the morning...

Overlook

Charlotte at the top of the summit for today

It was a long day in the car, Charlotte fell asleep while Graham was screaming for 20 min because he wanted a water bottle that he intended to dump all over himself.

Then he decided to pick her nose while she slept.