5 min
What an amazing adventure! 7 days, 6 nights riding a mountain bike 242 miles. We climbed over 25,000 feet of vertical, descended 31,500 feet, and spent over 32 hours in the saddle over that time. We had incredible views from each hut as well as traveling from each hut to hut. It was an experience that I would certainly do again. God provided us with spectacular weather, amazing food, and memories to last a lifetime.
We began the trip driving in 2 separate vehicles destined for Durango, CO. We were able to meet for a team pre-event dinner at Fired Up Pizzeria on Downtown Dtown. I gave thanks to God for bringing us together and allowing us to have this experience together, I also asked for His blessing as we go onto this adventure and to protect us and keep us safe.
The Ride & Meals:
We left Durango at 8 am on the Hermosa Shuttle. This allowed us to stop at the Durango Diner and fill up on pancakes and eggs. Before leaving the condo, a colorful hummingbird flew towards me and around my bike. Since my bull elk hunt in September, I have had a hummingbird as the sign that God is watching over me.
We had a late start due to construction on the road to Molas Pass. We decided to take the higher elevation route (10,800 feet) for the more experienced rider. We immediately started a long, slow climb to 12,500 feet over the next several hours. Four out of six of us arrived at the Bolam Pass Hut a little earlier than 6 pm. The final two guys pulled in just as the sun was setting.
Daily Stats: 22 miles, 4,000 feet of ascent and 3,500 feet of descent. Water: 5.5 liters. 3 LMNTs consumed. No cramping issues.
Breakfast was a burrito with hashbrowns, eggs, bacon, and green chile. Lunch/snacks included tortilla with peanut butter, honey, banana chips, beef jerky, trail mix, dried mangoes, granola bars. I made an effort to keep my protein up. Dinner was spaghetti and meat sauce, courtesy of Chef Pat.
Challenges & Lessons:
Smoke from wildfires made breathing difficult. High elevation hike-a-bikes tested our fitness. Garmin Messenger became vital for navigation and safety.
The Ride & Meals:
We were up with the sun and more organized for the day’s adventure. Food was packed into the food compartment storage I had integrated on the bike. The terrain consisted of singletrack and 2-track routes.
Daily Stats: 32.5 miles, 4,000 ft ascent, 4,600 ft descent, 6.5 hrs in the saddle. Water: 5.5 liters. 3 LMNTs.
Breakfast burrito and lunch/snack menu remained the same. Protein-focused snacks like jerky and granola bars helped fuel the effort. Dinner was a vibrant chicken stir fry with cabbage, carrots, ginger.
Challenges & Lessons:
A combination of technical terrain and altitude made this a grind. Better communication and earlier start helped efficiency. The importance of steady hydration and sodium intake continued to be a difference maker.
The Ride & Meals:
We tackled a 35-mile day with 1,959 ft of climbing and 5,384 ft of descent. This provided much needed relief for our legs. We arrived early to the Dry Creek Hut, allowing us time to recover.
Daily Stats: 35 miles, 1,959 ft ascent, 5,384 ft descent. 4 hrs 21 min. Water: 5.5 liters. 3 LMNTs.
As usual, breakfast burritos and our trail lunches kept us going. A gourmet salmon patty on crispi bread with aioli was our luxurious pre-dinner treat. Dinner was chicken tacos with fresh garden pico de gallo.
Challenges & Lessons:
My body finally started adapting to back-to-back ride days. The elevation drop helped significantly with recovery. Our hut overlooked the La Sal Mountains over 100 miles away—we’d be climbing them in just three days. A humbling and motivating sight.
The Ride & Meals:
We descended into the Uravan mineral belt and crossed old mining roads—brittle, dry, and unforgiving. These routes gave us a taste of what early miners experienced a century ago.
Daily Stats: ~32 miles, 3,500+ ft descent. Water: 6 liters. 3 LMNTs.
Same breakfast burrito and lunch/snack routine. Dinner was another hearty and nourishing meal at the hut.
Challenges & Lessons:
The terrain was dry and loose, making traction difficult—especially with my 254 lbs of rider + gear. I remembered advice from Eric at Fat Tire Cycles to increase tire pressure slightly. That move saved me. Gratitude for modern gear and the toughness of those who came before us.
The Ride & Meals:
We made our burritos the night before to start rolling by 8:30 AM. We climbed 1,000 ft out of the canyon and onto Davis Mesa. A steep, rocky descent down “Ketch em’ up” trail followed—a washed-out section that we had to hike.
Daily Stats: ~35 miles, 1,200 ft climb, 6+ hrs. Water: 6 liters. 3 LMNTs.
Breakfast burrito and usual snacks carried the day. Dinner that night was hot and satisfying after a challenging day. I snuck in a makeshift shower on the shaded deck with my hydration bladder—pure bliss.
Challenges & Lessons:
Our group split due to one rider’s knee injury. I stayed back with him. My water ran out during the extra 90 minutes. God showed up through Frank, who secured water from a kind local. Later we refilled at the Paradox Church. The Paradox Store we were heading to had been closed for 2 years. Lesson learned: verify resupply points.
The Ride & Meals:
Golden eagle sightings marked the day. We climbed 4,000 ft over 26 miles through alpine meadows, aspen groves, and thick pine. After reaching the hut, Pat and I rode an extra 1,900 ft climb—why not?
Daily Stats: 26 miles, 4,000 ft ascent, plus 1,900 ft bonus climb. Water: 5.5 liters. 3 LMNTs.
Breakfast and lunch were consistent. Dinner was warm tuna melts with melted cheese.
Challenges & Lessons:
Fatigue had peaked but so had our resilience. A riverside moment allowed us to cool off and reflect. The additional climb post-hut was a test of grit. God continued to reveal His presence through nature’s stillness.
The Ride & Meals:
We rerouted due to fire closures, linking up with the Kokopelli Trail and descending the famous Whole Enchilada.
Daily Stats: 38+ miles, ~3,800 ft ascent, 8,800 ft descent, 8+ hours. Water: 6 liters. 3 LMNTs.
Breakfast burrito. Trail snacks fueled the push.
Challenges & Lessons:
Saw a black bear mid-ride. The first and only rain of the trip fell. We split into groups based on descending comfort level. The Raptor Route was the trip’s finale—pure MTB magic. Slept hard that night.
After returning home, I checked my body comp. I lost 1 lb of muscle and gained 2 lbs of body fat. I believe my low protein intake was a major contributor. For my upcoming September elk hunt in the Valles Caldera, I’ll plan better. Packing more protein—whey, jerky, tuna—is a must.
This trip shaped me: physically, mentally, and spiritually. It reminded me of God’s presence in the wild and my role as a servant leader to those around me.
Next up? Telluride to Moab, Summer 2026. Stay tuned.
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