| Description: | On Friday I took onto Pete's suggestion and rode mostly dirt road loop that goes south of Encampment into the Sierra Madre range, called Sierra Madre scenic loop.
I set of after lunch into a hot climb in the sagebrush hills, and was telling myself if it is all worth it. But, once I got above 8500 ft and into the forest, it cooled down a bit and the ride got more pleasant. Also, the grade was not as steep and the road kept going up and down rather than just straight up. Seeing Encampment river at about a 1/2 of the ride was nice, there are scenic alpine meadows. I just touched Colorado on the southernmost part of the loop and then went northeast around Hog reservoir and more up than down from one creek drainage to another. The dirt road at this place was not that great, a lot of loose gravel. I was also getting pretty tired. But, a downhill followed into North Encampment river valley. Then a small climb out, and I was at the Hwy 70, which was a relieve on the pavement after hours on dirt. Then followed a quick cruise down back to the campground. |
